U.S. patent application number 17/212872 was filed with the patent office on 2021-09-02 for flush water tank apparatus and flush toilet apparatus provided with the same.
This patent application is currently assigned to TOTO LTD.. The applicant listed for this patent is TOTO LTD.. Invention is credited to Nobuhiro HAYASHI, Hidekazu KITAURA, Masahiro KUROISHI, Akihiro SHIMUTA.
Application Number | 20210270023 17/212872 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005489110 |
Filed Date | 2021-09-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20210270023 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
KITAURA; Hidekazu ; et
al. |
September 2, 2021 |
FLUSH WATER TANK APPARATUS AND FLUSH TOILET APPARATUS PROVIDED WITH
THE SAME
Abstract
The flush water tank apparatus of the present invention
includes: a clutch mechanism 30 coupling the discharge valve 12 and
the discharge valve hydraulic drive unit 14 to pull up the
discharge valve, and being disconnected at a predetermined timing
to cause the discharge valve to descend; flush water amount
selection device capable of selecting from a first and a second
amounts of flush water; a float device 26 including a float and a
holding mechanism switchable between a holding and a non-holding
states in conjunction with movement of the float; and a timing
control mechanism controlling a timing of a drain port 10a being
blocked; and, when the second amount is selected, causes the second
amount of flush water to be discharged by switching the holding
mechanism to the non-holding state before a water level in a
storage tank drops to a predetermined water level.
Inventors: |
KITAURA; Hidekazu;
(Kitakyushu-shi, JP) ; HAYASHI; Nobuhiro;
(Kitakyushu-shi, JP) ; SHIMUTA; Akihiro;
(Kitakyushu-shi, JP) ; KUROISHI; Masahiro;
(Kitakyushu-shi, JP) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
TOTO LTD. |
Kitakyushu-shi |
|
JP |
|
|
Assignee: |
TOTO LTD.
Kitakyushu-shi
JP
|
Family ID: |
1000005489110 |
Appl. No.: |
17/212872 |
Filed: |
March 25, 2021 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
PCT/JP2021/003949 |
Feb 3, 2021 |
|
|
|
17212872 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E03D 5/10 20130101; E03D
5/01 20130101; E03D 2201/30 20130101 |
International
Class: |
E03D 5/01 20060101
E03D005/01; E03D 5/10 20060101 E03D005/10 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Feb 28, 2020 |
JP |
2020-033606 |
Feb 28, 2020 |
JP |
2020-033608 |
Claims
1. A flush water tank apparatus for supplying flush water to a
flush toilet, the flush water tank apparatus comprising: a storage
tank storing flush water to be supplied to the flush toilet, with a
drain port for discharging the stored flush water to the flush
toilet formed therein; a discharge valve opening/closing the drain
port and performing supply/stop of the flush water to the flush
toilet; a discharge valve hydraulic drive unit driving the
discharge valve using water supply pressure of supplied tap water;
a clutch mechanism coupling the discharge valve and the discharge
valve hydraulic drive unit to pull up the discharge valve by
driving force of the discharge valve hydraulic drive unit, and
being disconnected at a predetermined timing to cause the discharge
valve to descend; a flush water amount selection device capable of
selecting between a first amount of flush water for washing the
flush toilet and a second amount of flush water smaller than the
first amount of flush water; and a timing control mechanism
controlling, when the second amount of flush water is selected by
the flush water amount selection device, a timing of causing the
discharge valve to descend so that a timing of the drain port being
blocked is earlier than a case of the first amount of flush water
being selected.
2. The flush water tank apparatus according to claim 1, comprising
a float device comprising a float moved according to a water level
in the storage tank and a holding mechanism switchable between a
state of holding the discharge valve and a non-holding state in
conjunction with movement of the float; wherein the holding
mechanism of the float device is configured to cause a
predetermined amount of flush water to be discharged, by holding
the discharge valve until the water level in the storage tank drops
to a predetermined water level; and the timing control mechanism is
configured to, when the second amount of flush water is selected by
the flush water amount selection device, switch the holding
mechanism of the float device to the non-holding state before the
water level in the storage tank drops to the predetermined water
level to cause the second amount of flush water to be discharged
or, when the first amount of flush water is selected, keep the
holding mechanism in the holding state even after the water level
in the storage tank drops to the predetermined water level and,
after that, cause the first amount of flush water to be discharged
by switching to the non-holding state.
3. The flush water tank apparatus according to claim 2, wherein,
when the second amount of flush water is selected by the flush
water amount selection device, the timing control mechanism
switches the holding mechanism of the float device to the
non-holding state before the water level in the storage tank drops
to the predetermined water level.
4. The flush water tank apparatus according to claim 3, wherein,
after the clutch mechanism is disconnected, the timing control
mechanism switches the holding mechanism of the float device to the
non-holding state before the water level in the storage tank drops
to the predetermined water level.
5. The flush water tank apparatus according to claim 3, further
comprising a control valve controlling supply/stop of flush water
to the timing control mechanism; wherein the timing control
mechanism switches the holding mechanism of the float device to the
non-holding state using tap water supplied through the control
valve.
6. The flush water tank apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the
control valve is configured to also control supply/stop of flush
water to the discharge valve hydraulic drive unit.
7. The flush water tank apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the
timing control mechanism is provided on a downstream side of the
discharge valve hydraulic drive unit, and flush water passing
through the discharge valve hydraulic drive unit is supplied to the
timing control mechanism.
8. The flush water tank apparatus according to claim 5, wherein a
period of the control valve being open is changed according to an
amount of flush water selected by the flush water amount selection
device, and, thereby, a timing of the timing control mechanism
switching the holding mechanism of the float device to the
non-holding state is changed.
9. The flush water tank apparatus according to claim 8, wherein,
when the second amount of flush water is selected by the flush
water amount selection device, the control valve is open for a
longer time than the case of the first amount of flush water being
selected, and, thereby, the timing control mechanism switches the
holding mechanism of the float device to the non-holding state
early.
10. The flush water tank apparatus according to claim 5, wherein
the control valve is opened after the clutch mechanism is
disconnected, and, thereby, the tap water is supplied to the timing
control mechanism.
11. The flush water tank apparatus according to claim 1, wherein
the timing control mechanism comprises a discharge unit discharging
supplied flush water; and when the second amount of flush water is
selected by the flush water amount selection device, the timing
control mechanism controls the timing of causing the discharge
valve to descend, by flush water discharged from the discharge
unit.
12. The flush water tank apparatus according to claim 11, wherein
the timing control mechanism further comprises a water storage unit
storing the flush water discharged from the discharge unit; and the
timing control mechanism controls the timing of causing the
discharge valve to descend, by weight of flush water stored in the
water storage unit.
13. The flush water tank apparatus according to claim 12, wherein
the discharge valve hydraulic drive unit comprises: a cylinder into
which supplied flush water flows; a piston slidably arranged in the
cylinder and driven by pressure of the flush water flowing into the
cylinder; and a rod connected to the piston and driving the
discharge valve, and a capacity of the water storage unit is
smaller than a capacity of the cylinder.
14. The flush water tank apparatus according to claim 12, wherein
the discharge unit of the timing control mechanism forms a downward
discharge port.
15. The flush water tank apparatus according to claim 12, wherein
the discharge port of the discharge unit of the timing control
mechanism is arranged inside the water storage unit and at a height
lower than an upper end of the water storage unit.
16. The flush water tank apparatus according to claim 12, wherein
the water storage unit of the timing control mechanism is
positioned above a stopped water level of the storage tank in a
state of not storing flush water inside.
17. The flush water tank apparatus according to claim 16, wherein a
discharge hole for discharging stored flush water is formed in the
water storage unit of the timing control mechanism.
18. The flush water tank apparatus according to claim 17, wherein
the discharge hole of the water storage unit is formed in a lower
part of a side wall of the water storage unit and forms an opening
toward an opposite side of the discharge valve in a plan view.
19. The flush water tank apparatus according to claim 17, wherein
an instantaneous flow rate of flush water discharged from the
discharge hole is smaller than an instantaneous flow rate of flush
water discharged from the discharge unit.
20. A flush toilet apparatus comprising: the flush water tank
apparatus according to claim 1; and the flush toilet washed by
flush water supplied from the flush water tank apparatus.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Field of the Invention
[0001] The present invention relates to a flush water tank
apparatus and, in particular, to a flush water tank apparatus that
supplies flush water to a flush toilet, and a flush toilet
apparatus provided with the flush water tank apparatus.
Description of the Related Art
[0002] In Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2009-257061, a low tank
apparatus is described. In this low tank apparatus, a hydraulic
cylinder device having a piston and a drain unit is arranged inside
a low tank provided with a discharge valve, and the piston and the
discharge valve are coupled via a coupling unit. At the time of
discharging flush water in the low tank, water is supplied to the
hydraulic cylinder device by opening a solenoid value, and the
piston is pushed up. Since the piston is connected to the discharge
valve via the coupling unit, the discharge valve is pulled up by
movement of the piston, the discharge valve is opened, and the
flush water in the low tank is discharged. The water supplied to
the hydraulic cylinder device flows out from the drain unit and
flows into the low tank.
[0003] Furthermore, in the case of causing the discharge valve to
be closed, supply of water to the hydraulic cylinder device is
stopped by causing the solenoid valve to be closed. Thereby, the
pushed-up piston descends, and, accompanying this, the solenoid
valve returns to a valve closed position due to its own weight. At
this time, since the water in the hydraulic cylinder device flows
out from the drain unit little by little, the piston slowly
descends, and the discharge valve gradually returns to the valve
closed position. Further, in the low tank apparatus described in
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2009-257061, a time during which the
discharge valve is opened is changed by adjusting a time during
which the solenoid valve is open, and, thereby, washings with
different amounts of flush water, such as large washing and small
washing, are realized.
[0004] The low tank apparatus described in Japanese Patent
Laid-Open No. 2009-257061, however, has a problem that it is
difficult to accurately set the amount of flush water to be
discharged. In other words, since water in the hydraulic cylinder
device flows out from the drain unit little by little after the
solenoid valve is closed to cause the discharge valve to be closed,
in the low tank apparatus described in Japanese Patent Laid-Open
No. 2009-257061, descent of the piston is gradual, and it is
difficult to set the time during which the discharge valve is open
short. Further, since the descent speed of the piston is dependent
on the outflow rate of the water from the drain unit and sliding
resistance of the piston, there is a possibility that variation
occurs, and there is a possibility that change over time occurs.
Therefore, it is difficult to accurately set the amount of flush
water to be discharged, in the low tank apparatus described in
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2009-257061.
[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide
a flush water tank apparatus capable of accurately setting the
amount of flush water to be discharged while opening the discharge
valve using water pressure of supplied water, and a flush toilet
apparatus provided with the flush water tank apparatus.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] In order to solve the problem described above, an embodiment
of the present invention is a flush water tank apparatus for
supplying flush water to a flush toilet, the flush water tank
apparatus including: a storage tank storing flush water to be
supplied to the flush toilet, with a drain port for discharging the
stored flush water to the flush toilet formed therein; a discharge
valve opening/closing the drain port and performing supply/stop of
the flush water to the flush toilet; a discharge valve hydraulic
drive unit driving the discharge valve using water supply pressure
of supplied tap water; a clutch mechanism coupling the discharge
valve and the discharge valve hydraulic drive unit to pull up the
discharge valve by driving force of the discharge valve hydraulic
drive unit, and being disconnected at a predetermined timing to
cause the discharge valve to descend; a flush water amount
selection device capable of selecting between a first amount of
flush water for washing the flush toilet and a second amount of
flush water smaller than the first amount of flush water; and a
timing control mechanism controlling, when the second amount of
flush water is selected by the flush water amount selection device,
a timing of causing the discharge valve to descend so that a timing
of the drain port being blocked is earlier than a case of the first
amount of flush water being selected.
[0007] According to the present invention configured as described
above, since the discharge valve and the discharge valve hydraulic
drive unit are coupled by the clutch mechanism and disconnected at
the predetermined timing, it becomes possible to cause the
discharge valve to move regardless of the operation speed of the
discharge valve hydraulic drive unit and cause the discharge valve
to be closed. Thereby, it becomes possible to, even if the
operation speed of the discharge valve hydraulic drive unit varies
at the time of causing the discharge valve to descend, control the
timing of causing the discharge valve to be closed without being
influenced by the variation. Further, when the second amount of
flush water is selected by the flush water amount selection device,
the timing of causing the discharge valve to descend can be
controlled by the timing control mechanism so that the timing of
the drain port being blocked is earlier than the case of the first
amount of flush water being selected. Therefore, according to the
present invention, it is possible to set the first or second amount
of flush water using the clutch mechanism.
[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to
provide a flush water tank apparatus capable of accurately setting
the amount of flush water to be discharged while opening a
discharge valve by a discharge valve hydraulic drive unit, and a
flush toilet apparatus provided with the flush water tank
apparatus.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an overall flush toilet
apparatus provided with a flush water tank apparatus according to a
first embodiment of the present invention;
[0010] FIG. 2 is a sectional view showing a schematic configuration
of the flush water tank apparatus according to the first embodiment
of the present invention;
[0011] FIG. 3A is a diagram schematically showing a configuration
and operation of a clutch mechanism provided in the flush water
tank apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present
invention;
[0012] FIG. 3B is a diagram schematically showing a configuration
and operation of a clutch mechanism provided in the flush water
tank apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present
invention;
[0013] FIG. 3C is a diagram schematically showing a configuration
and operation of a clutch mechanism provided in the flush water
tank apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present
invention;
[0014] FIG. 3D is a diagram schematically showing a configuration
and operation of a clutch mechanism provided in the flush water
tank apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present
invention;
[0015] FIG. 3E is a diagram schematically showing a configuration
and operation of a clutch mechanism provided in the flush water
tank apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present
invention;
[0016] FIG. 3F is a diagram schematically showing a configuration
and operation of a clutch mechanism provided in the flush water
tank apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present
invention;
[0017] FIG. 3G is a diagram schematically showing a configuration
and operation of a clutch mechanism provided in the flush water
tank apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present
invention;
[0018] FIG. 3H is a diagram schematically showing a configuration
and operation of a clutch mechanism provided in the flush water
tank apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present
invention;
[0019] FIG. 4A is a diagram enlargingly showing a portion of a
discharge valve and a float device provided for the flush water
tank apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present
invention;
[0020] FIG. 4B is a diagram enlargingly showing a portion of a
discharge valve and a float device provided for the flush water
tank apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present
invention;
[0021] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing operation in a large washing
mode of the flush water tank apparatus according to the first
embodiment of the present invention;
[0022] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the operation in the large
washing mode of the flush water tank apparatus according to the
first embodiment of the present invention;
[0023] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the operation in the large
washing mode of the flush water tank apparatus according to the
first embodiment of the present invention;
[0024] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the operation in the large
washing mode of the flush water tank apparatus according to the
first embodiment of the present invention;
[0025] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the operation in the large
washing mode of the flush water tank apparatus according to the
first embodiment of the present invention;
[0026] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the operation in the large
washing mode of the flush water tank apparatus according to the
first embodiment of the present invention;
[0027] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing operation in a small large
washing mode of the flush water tank apparatus according to the
first embodiment of the present invention;
[0028] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the operation in the small
large washing mode of the flush water tank apparatus according to
the first embodiment of the present invention;
[0029] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the operation in the small
large washing mode of the flush water tank apparatus according to
the first embodiment of the present invention;
[0030] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing the operation in the small
large washing mode of the flush water tank apparatus according to
the first embodiment of the present invention;
[0031] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing the operation in the small
large washing mode of the flush water tank apparatus according to
the first embodiment of the present invention;
[0032] FIG. 16 is a sectional view showing a schematic
configuration of a flush water tank apparatus according to a second
embodiment of the present invention;
[0033] FIG. 17A is a diagram enlargingly showing a portion of a
discharge valve and a float device provided for the flush water
tank apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present
invention;
[0034] FIG. 17B is a diagram enlargingly showing a portion of a
discharge valve and a float device provided for the flush water
tank apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present
invention;
[0035] FIG. 18 is a diagram showing operation in a small washing
mode of the flush water tank apparatus according to the second
embodiment of the present invention;
[0036] FIG. 19 is a diagram showing the operation in the small
washing mode of the flush water tank apparatus according to the
second embodiment of the present invention;
[0037] FIG. 20 is a diagram showing the operation in the small
washing mode of the flush water tank apparatus according to the
second embodiment of the present invention;
[0038] FIG. 21 is a diagram showing the operation in the small
washing mode of the flush water tank apparatus according to the
second embodiment of the present invention;
[0039] FIG. 22 is a diagram showing the operation in the small
washing mode of the flush water tank apparatus according to the
second embodiment of the present invention;
[0040] FIG. 23 is a diagram showing operation in a large washing
mode of the flush water tank apparatus according to the second
embodiment of the present invention;
[0041] FIG. 24 is a diagram showing the operation in the large
washing mode of the flush water tank apparatus according to the
second embodiment of the present invention;
[0042] FIG. 25 is a diagram showing the operation in the large
washing mode of the flush water tank apparatus according to the
second embodiment of the present invention; and
[0043] FIG. 26 is a diagram showing the operation in the large
washing mode of the flush water tank apparatus according to the
second embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0044] Next, a flush toilet apparatus according to a first
embodiment will be described with reference to accompanying
drawings.
[0045] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an overall flush toilet
apparatus provided with a flush water tank apparatus according to a
first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a sectional
view showing a schematic configuration of the flush water tank
apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present
invention.
[0046] As shown in FIG. 1, a flush toilet apparatus 1 according to
the first embodiment of the present invention is configured with a
flush toilet main body 2, which is a flush toilet, and a flush
water tank apparatus 4 according to the first embodiment of the
present invention, which is placed at the back of the flush toilet
main body 2. The flush toilet main body 2 is washed by flush water
supplied from the flush water tank apparatus 4. The flush toilet
apparatus 1 of the present embodiment is configured so that washing
of a bowl 2a of the flush toilet main body 2 is performed by a
remote controller 6 attached to a wall surface being operated after
use or by a predetermined time having passed after a human sensor 8
provided on a toilet seat detecting a user leaving the toilet seat.
The flush water tank apparatus 4 according to the present
embodiment is configured to discharge flush water stored inside to
the flush toilet main body 2 based on an instruction signal from
the remote controller 6 or the human sensor 8 and wash the bowl 2a
by the flush water.
[0047] Further, "large washing" or "small washing" for washing the
bowl 2a is executed by the user pressing a push button 6a on the
remote controller 6. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the
remote controller 6 functions as flush water amount selection
device capable of selecting between a first amount of flush water
for washing the flush toilet main body 2 and a second amount of
flush water smaller than the first amount of flush water. Note
that, though the human sensor 8 is provided on the toilet seat in
the present embodiment, the present invention is not limited to
this form. The human sensor 8 is only required to be provided at a
position where it is possible to detect the user's motions of
sitting on, standing from, approach to and leaving from the toilet
seat, and holding his hand. For example, the human sensor 8 may be
provided on the flush toilet main body 2 or the flush water tank
apparatus 4. Further, the human sensor 8 may be anything that can
detect the user's motions of sitting on, standing from, approach to
and leaving from the toilet seat, and holding his hand, and, for
example, an infrared sensor or a microwave sensor can be used as
the human sensor 8. Further, the remote controller 6 may be changed
to an operation lever device or an operation button device having
such a structure that is capable of mechanically controlling
opening/closing of a first control valve 16 and a second control
valve 22 described later.
[0048] As shown in FIG. 2, the flush water tank apparatus 4 has a
storage tank 10 for storing flush water to be supplied to the flush
toilet main body 2, a discharge valve 12 for opening/closing a
drain port 10a provided on the storage tank 10, and a discharge
valve hydraulic drive unit 14 that drives the discharge valve 12.
Further, the flush water tank apparatus 4 has the first control
valve 16 that controls water supply to the discharge valve
hydraulic drive unit 14 and a solenoid valve 18 attached to the
first control valve 16 inside the storage tank 10. Furthermore, the
flush water tank apparatus 4 has the second control valve 22 for
supplying flush water to the storage tank 10 and a solenoid valve
24 attached to the second control valve 22 inside the storage tank
10. Further, the flush water tank apparatus 4 has a clutch
mechanism 30, and the clutch mechanism 30 couples the discharge
valve 12 and the discharge valve hydraulic drive unit 14 to pull up
the discharge valve 12 by driving force of the discharge valve
hydraulic drive unit 14. Furthermore, the flush water tank
apparatus 4 has a float device 26 for holding the discharge valve
12 that has descended by the clutch mechanism 30 being
disconnected, at a predetermined position. Further, the flush water
tank apparatus 4 is provided with a water storage device 52 as a
timing control mechanism for controlling a timing of the discharge
valve 12 descending and the drain port 10a being blocked.
[0049] The storage tank 10 is a tank configured to store flush
water to be supplied to the flush toilet main body 2, and the drain
port 10a for discharging the stored flush water to the flush toilet
main body 2 is formed on a bottom portion of the storage tank 10.
Inside the storage tank 10, an overflow pipe 10b is connected to
the downstream side of the drain port 10a. The overflow pipe 10b
vertically rises from near the drain port 10a and extends above a
full water level WL of the flush water stored in the storage tank
10. Therefore, flush water that has flowed in from the upper end of
the overflow pipe 10b bypasses the drain port 10a and flows out
directly to the flush toilet main body 2.
[0050] The discharge valve 12 is a valve body arranged so as to
open/close the drain port 10a. The discharge valve 12 is opened by
being pulled upward, and flush water in the storage tank 10 is
discharged to the flush toilet main body 2, so that the bowl 2a is
washed. The discharge valve 12 is pulled up by driving force of the
discharge valve hydraulic drive unit 14. When the discharge valve
12 is pulled up to a predetermined height, the clutch mechanism 30
is disconnected, and the discharge valve 12 descends due to its own
weight. When the discharge valve 12 descends, the discharge valve
12 is held at a predetermined position for a predetermined time by
the float device 26. Further, above the discharge valve 12, a
casing 13 is formed. The casing 13 is formed in a cylindrical shape
with its lower side open. The casing 13 is connected and fixed to
the discharge valve hydraulic drive unit 14 and a discharge unit 54
that discharges flush water to the water storage device 52.
[0051] The discharge valve hydraulic drive unit 14 is configured to
utilize water supply pressure of flush water supplied from a tap
water pipe to drive the discharge valve 12. Specifically, the
discharge valve hydraulic drive unit 14 has a cylinder 14a into
which flush water supplied from the first control valve 16 flows, a
piston 14b slidably arranged in the cylinder 14a, and a rod 32 that
projects from the lower end of the cylinder 14a to drive the
discharge valve 12.
[0052] Furthermore, a spring 14c is arranged inside the cylinder
14a and energizes the piston 14b downward. A packing 14e is
attached to the piston 14b so that watertightness between the inner
wall surface of the cylinder 14a and the piston 14b is ensured.
Furthermore, the clutch mechanism 30 is provided at the lower end
of the rod 32, and the rod 32 and a valve stem 12a of the discharge
valve 12 are coupled/released by the clutch mechanism 30.
[0053] The cylinder 14a is a cylindrical-shaped member, which is
arranged with its axis in the vertical direction and accepts the
piston 14b inside in a slidable state. A drive unit water supply
passage 34a is connected to a lower end portion of the cylinder 14a
so that flush water flowing out of the first control valve 16 flows
into the cylinder 14a. Therefore, the piston 14b in the cylinder
14a is pushed up against energizing force of the spring 14c by the
flush water flowing into the cylinder 14a.
[0054] On an upper part of the cylinder 14a, an outflow hole is
provided, and a drive unit discharge passage 34b communicates with
the inside of the cylinder 14a via the outflow hole. Therefore,
when flush water flows into the cylinder 14a from the drive unit
water supply passage 34a connected to a lower part of the cylinder
14a, the piston 14b is pushed upward from the lower part of the
cylinder 14a which is a first position. Then, when the piston 14b
is pushed up to a second position above the outflow hole, the water
that flowed into the cylinder 14a flows through the drive unit
discharge passage 34b from the outflow hole. In other words, when
the piston 14b is moved to the second position, the drive unit
water supply passage 34a and the drive unit discharge passage 34b
are caused to communicate with each other via the inside of the
cylinder 14a. At a distal end portion of the drive unit discharge
passage 34b extending from the cylinder 14a, a discharge unit 54
that discharges flush water to the water storage device 52 is
formed. As described above, the drive unit discharge passage 34b
forms a flow channel extending up to the discharge unit 54.
[0055] The rod 32 is a rod-shaped member connected to the lower
surface of the piston 14b. The rod 32 passes through a through hole
14f formed in the bottom surface of the cylinder 14a and extends in
a manner of projecting downward from inside the cylinder 14a.
Between the rod 32 projecting downward from the cylinder 14a and
the inner wall of the through hole 14f of the cylinder 14a, a gap
14d is provided, and a part of flush water flowing into the
cylinder 14a flows out from the gap 14d. The water flowing out from
the gap 14d flows into the storage tank 10. Note that, since the
gap 14d is relatively narrow, and flow channel resistance is large,
pressure inside the cylinder 14a increases due to the flush water
flowing into the cylinder 14a from the drive unit water supply
passage 34a even in the state of water flowing out from the gap
14d, and the piston 14b is pushed up, being against the energizing
force of the spring 14c.
[0056] Next, the first control valve 16 controls supply/stop of
flush water to the discharge valve hydraulic drive unit 14 based on
operation of the solenoid valve 18. Further, on the downstream side
of the discharge valve hydraulic drive unit 14, the water storage
device 52 is provided, and flush water that has passed through the
discharge valve hydraulic drive unit 14 is supplied to the water
storage device 52. Therefore, supply/stop of flush water to the
water storage device 52 is also controlled by the first control
valve 16. That is to say, the first control valve 16 is provided
with a main valve body 16a, a main valve port 16b opened/closed by
the main valve body 16a, a pressure chamber 16c for causing the
main valve body 16a to move, and a pilot valve 16d for switching
pressure in the pressure chamber 16c.
[0057] The main valve body 16a is configured so as to open/close
the main valve port 16b of the first control valve 16. When the
main valve port 16b is opened, tap water supplied from a water
supply pipe 38 flows into the discharge valve hydraulic drive unit
14. The pressure chamber 16c is provided adjacent to the main valve
body 16a in a case of the first control valve 16. The pressure
chamber 16c is configured so that a part of the tap water supplied
from the water supply pipe 38 flows in so that internal pressure
increases. When the pressure in the pressure chamber 16c increases,
the main valve body 16a is moved toward the main valve port 16b,
and the main valve port 16b is closed.
[0058] The pilot valve 16d is configured to open/close a pilot
valve port (not shown) provided for the pressure chamber 16c. When
the pilot valve port (not shown) is opened by the pilot valve 16d,
water in the pressure chamber 16c flows out, and the internal
pressure decreases. When the pressure in the pressure chamber 16c
decreases, the main valve body 16a leaves from the main valve port
16b, and the first control valve 16 is opened. When the pilot valve
16d is closed, the pressure in the pressure chamber 16c increases,
and the first control valve 16 is closed.
[0059] The pilot valve 16d is moved by the solenoid valve 18
attached to the pilot valve 16d to open/close the pilot valve port
(not shown). The solenoid valve 18 is electrically connected to a
controller 40 and causes the pilot valve 16d to move, based on a
command signal from the controller 40. Specifically, the controller
40 receives a signal from the remote controller 6 or the human
sensor 8 and sends an electrical signal to the solenoid valve 18 to
cause the solenoid valve 18 to operate.
[0060] Further, the drive unit water supply passage 34a between the
first control valve 16 and the discharge valve hydraulic drive unit
14 is provided with a vacuum breaker 36. When negative pressure
occurs on the first control valve 16 side, backflow of water to the
first control valve 16 side is prevented by the vacuum breaker
36.
[0061] The second control valve 22 is configured to control
supply/stop of flush water to the storage tank 10 based on
operation of the solenoid valve 24. Though the second control valve
22 is connected to the water supply pipe 38 via the first control
valve 16, tap water supplied from the water supply pipe 38 always
flows into the second control valve 22 irrespective of whether the
first control valve 16 is open or closed. The second control valve
22 is provided with a main valve body 22a, a pressure chamber 22b
and a pilot valve 22c, and the pilot valve 22c is opened/closed by
the solenoid valve 24. When the pilot valve 22c is opened by the
solenoid valve 24, the main valve body 22a of the second control
valve 22 is opened, and tap water flowing in from the water supply
pipe 38 is supplied into the storage tank 10 or to the overflow
pipe 10b. Further, the solenoid valve 24 is electrically connected
to the controller 40 and causes the pilot valve 22c to move, based
on a command signal from the controller 40. Specifically, the
controller 40 sends an electrical signal to the solenoid valve 24
based on an operation of the remote controller 6 to cause the
solenoid valve 24 to operate.
[0062] A float switch 42 is connected to the pilot valve 22c. The
float switch 42 is configured to control the pilot valve 22c based
on a water level in the storage tank 10 to open/close a pilot valve
port (not shown). In other words, when the water level in the
storage tank 10 reaches a predetermined water level, the float
switch 42 sends a signal to the pilot valve 22c to cause the pilot
valve port (not shown) to be closed. In other words, the float
switch 42 is configured to set the water storage level in the
storage tank 10 to the predetermined full water level WL which is a
stopped water level. The float switch 42 is arranged in the storage
tank 10 and is configured to, when the water level of the storage
tank 10 increases to the full water level WL, stop water supply
from the first control valve 16 to the discharge valve hydraulic
drive unit 14. Note that, though the solenoid valve 24 is
controlled based on a detection signal of the float switch 42 to
open/close the pilot valve 22c in the present embodiment, the
solenoid valve 24 can be omitted. In other words, the present
invention can be configured so that the pilot valve 22c is
mechanically opened/closed using a float that goes up and down
based on the water level in the storage tank 10.
[0063] A water supply passage 50 extending from the second control
valve 22 is provided with a water supply passage branch portion
50a. One of branched water supply passages 50 is configured to
cause water to flow out into the storage tank 10, and the other is
configured to cause water to flow out into the overflow pipe 10b.
Therefore, a part of flush water supplied from the second control
valve 22 is discharged into the flush toilet main body 2 through
the overflow pipe 10b, and the remaining flush water is stored in
the storage tank 10.
[0064] Further, the water supply passage 50 is provided with a
vacuum breaker 44. When negative pressure occurs on the second
control valve 22 side, backflow of water to the second control
valve 22 side is prevented by the vacuum breaker 44.
[0065] Water supplied from the tap water pipe is supplied to each
of the first control valve 16 and the second control valve 22 via a
stop cock 38a arranged outside the storage tank 10 and a fixed flow
valve 38b arranged in the storage tank 10 on the downstream side of
the stop cock 38a. The stop cock 38a is provided to stop supply of
water to the flush water tank apparatus 4 at the time of
maintenance and the like, and is usually used in an open state. The
fixed flow valve 38b is provided so as to cause water supplied from
the tap water pipe to flow into the first control valve 16 and the
second control valve 22 at a predetermined flow rate, and is
configured so that water at a certain flow rate is supplied
regardless of the installation environment of the flush toilet
apparatus 1.
[0066] The controller 40 includes a CPU, a memory and the like and
controls connected equipment to execute a large washing mode or a
small washing mode described later, based on a predetermined
control program recorded in the memory or the like. The controller
40 is electrically connected to the remote controller 6, the human
sensor 8, the solenoid valve 18, the solenoid valve 24 and the
like.
[0067] Next, a configuration and operation of the clutch mechanism
30 will be described, newly referring to FIGS. 3A-3H.
[0068] FIGS. 3A-3H schematically shows the configuration of the
clutch mechanism 30 and shows operation at the time of being pulled
up by the discharge valve hydraulic drive unit 14.
[0069] First, as shown in FIG. 3A, the clutch mechanism 30 is
provided at the lower end of the rod 32 extending downward from the
discharge valve hydraulic drive unit 14, and is configured so as to
couple/release the lower end of the rod 32 and the upper end of the
valve stem 12a of the discharge valve 12. The clutch mechanism 30
has a rotary shaft 30a attached to the lower end of the rod 32, a
hook member 30b supported by the rotary shaft 30a, and an engaging
claw 30c provided at the upper end of the valve stem 12a. Due to
such a structure, the clutch mechanism 30 is adapted to be
disconnected at a predetermined timing and at a predetermined
pull-up height to cause the discharge valve 12 to descend.
[0070] The rotary shaft 30a is attached at the lower end of the rod
32 in the horizontal direction and supports the hook member 30b in
a rotatable state. The hook member 30b is a plate-shaped member,
and an intermediate part of the hook member 30b is rotatably
supported by the rotary shaft 30a. The lower end of the hook member
30b is bent in a hook shape to form a hook portion. The engaging
claw 30c provided on the upper end of the valve stem 12a of the
discharge valve 12 is a claw in a right-angle triangular shape. The
base of the engaging claw 30c is almost in the horizontal
direction, and the side face is formed to be sloped downward.
[0071] In the state shown in FIG. 3A, the discharge valve 12 seats
on the drain port 10a, and the drain port 10a is blocked. In this
state, the discharge valve hydraulic drive unit 14 and the
discharge valve 12 are coupled. In this coupled state, the claw
portion of the hook member 30b is engaged with the base of the
engaging claw 30c, and the discharge valve 12 can be pulled up by
the rod 32.
[0072] Next, as shown in FIG. 3B, when flush water is supplied to
the discharge valve hydraulic drive unit 14, the piston 14b moves
upward, and, accordingly, the discharge valve 12 is pulled up by
the rod 32. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 3C, when the discharge
valve 12 is pulled up to a predetermined position, the upper end of
the hook member 30b comes into contact with the bottom surface of
the discharge valve hydraulic drive unit 14, and the hook member
30b is rotated around the rotary shaft 30a. By this rotation, the
claw portion at the lower end of the hook member 30b is moved in a
direction of disengaging from the engaging claw 30c, and engagement
between the hook member 30b and the engaging claw 30c is released.
When the engagement between the hook member 30b and the engaging
claw 30c is released, the discharge valve 12 descends toward the
drain port 10a in flush water stored in the storage tank 10 as
shown in FIG. 3D. (Note that, as described later, the descended
discharge valve 12 is temporarily held at a predetermined height by
the float device 26 before seating on the drain port 10a.)
[0073] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 3E, when flush water supplied
to the discharge valve hydraulic drive unit 14 is stopped, the rod
32 descends due to the energizing force of the spring 14c. When the
rod 32 descends, the distal end of the hook member 30b attached to
the lower end of the rod 32 comes into contact with the engaging
claw 30c as shown in FIG. 3F. When the rod 32 descends more, the
claw portion of the hook member 30b is pushed by the sloped surface
of the engaging claw 30c as shown in FIG. 3G, and the hook member
30b is rotated. When the rod 32 descends more, the claw portion of
the hook member 30b gets over the engaging claw 30c, the hook
member 30b is rotated to the original position by the gravity, and
the claw portion of the hook member 30b and the engaging claw 30c
engage with each other again as shown in FIG. 3H and return to the
state shown in FIG. 3A.
[0074] Next, a configuration and operation of the float device 26
will be described, newly referring to FIGS. 4A-4B. FIGS. 4A-4B is a
diagram enlargingly showing the portion of the discharge valve 12
and the float device 26 in FIG. 2. A state in which the discharge
valve 12 is closed is shown in FIG. 4A, and a state in which the
discharge valve 12 is open and held by the float device 26 is shown
in FIG. 4B.
[0075] As shown in FIGS. 4A-4B, the float device 26 has a float 26a
that is moved according to the water level in the storage tank 10
and a holding mechanism 46 that supports the float 26a in a
rotatable state.
[0076] The float 26a is a hollow rectangular parallelepiped member
and is configured to receive buoyancy from flush water stored in
the storage tank 10. When the water level in the storage tank 10 is
a predetermined water level (approximately the water level of the
float 26a) or above, the float 26a is in the state shown by solid
lines in FIG. 4A due to the buoyancy.
[0077] The holding mechanism 46 is moved between a holding state
and a non-holding state in conjunction with movement of the float
26a. The holding mechanism 46 is configured to, when moved to the
holding state, engage with the discharge valve 12 to hold the
discharge valve 12 at a predetermined height. The holding mechanism
46 is a mechanism that supports the float 26a in a rotatable state
and has a support shaft 46a, and an arm member 46b and an engaging
member 46c supported by the support shaft 46a. The support shaft
46a is a rotary shaft fixed to the storage tank 10 by an arbitrary
member (not shown) and supports the arm member 46b and the engaging
member 46c in a rotatable state. At a proximal end portion of the
valve stem 12a of the discharge valve 12, a holding claw 12b formed
to be engageable with the engaging member 46c is formed. The
holding claw 12b is a projection in a right-angle triangular shape,
which extends toward the engaging member 46c from the proximal end
portion of the valve stem 12a. Its base is in the horizontal
direction, and its side face is formed to be sloped downward.
[0078] The support shaft 46a is a shaft extending in a direction
orthogonal to the surface of FIGS. 4A-4B. Both of its end portions
are fixed to the storage tank 10 by an arbitrary member (not
shown), and an intermediate part is formed being curved to be away
from the valve stem 12a. The arm member 46b is a beam-shaped member
that is bent, and its lower end portion is configured to branch
into two. These branched lower ends of the arm member 46b are
rotatably supported by both end portions of the support shaft 46a,
respectively. Therefore, even when the discharge valve 12 is moved
in the vertical direction, it does not happen that the support
shaft 46a and the arm member 46b interfere with the holding claw
12b provided on the valve stem 12a of the discharge valve 12.
[0079] An upper end portion of the arm member 46b is fixed to the
bottom surface of the float 26a. Therefore, in a state of receiving
buoyancy, the float 26a is held in the state shown by the solid
lines in FIG. 4A. When the water level in the storage tank 10
drops, the float 26a and the arm member 46b are rotated around the
support shaft 46a due to their own weights up to a state shown by
imaginary lines in FIG. 4A. Note that the rotation of the float 26a
and the arm member 46b is restricted to a range between the holding
state of the holding mechanism 46 shown by the solid lines in FIG.
4A and the non-holding state shown by the imaginary lines.
[0080] Furthermore, the engaging member 46c is a member rotatably
attached to the support shaft 46a, and its proximal end portion is
rotatably supported by both end portions of the support shaft 46a.
A distal end portion of the engaging member 46c curvedly extends
towards the valve stem 12a of the discharge valve 12. Therefore, in
the holding state of having been rotated to the position shown by
the solid lines of FIG. 4A, the distal end portion of the engaging
member 46c interferes with the holding claw 12b provided on the
valve stem 12a. In comparison, in the non-holding state of having
been rotated to the position shown by the imaginary lines of FIG.
4A, interference between the distal end portion of the engaging
member 46c and the holding claw 12b does not occur.
[0081] The engaging member 46c is configured to be rotated around
the support shaft 46a in conjunction with the arm member 46b. In
other words, when the float 26a and the arm member 46b are rotated
from the state shown by the solid lines in FIG. 4A to the state
shown by the imaginary lines, the engaging member 46c is also
rotated to the state shown by the imaginary lines in conjunction
with the arm member 46b. However, if the distal end of the engaging
member 46c is pushed upward by the holding claw 12b of the
discharge valve 12 in the state shown by the solid lines in FIG.
4A, only the engaging member 46c can rotate idle. In other words,
when the distal end portion of the engaging member 46c is pushed
upward by the holding claw 12b, only the engaging member 46c can
rotate to the position shown by the imaginary lines of FIGS. 4A-4B
while the float 26a and the arm member 46b keep holding the
position shown by the solid lines.
[0082] In a state in which the discharge valve 12 is pulled upward,
and the holding claw 12b is positioned above the engaging member
46c as shown by solid lines in FIG. 4B, the holding claw 12b and
the engaging member 46c engage with each other, and descent of the
discharge valve 12 is prevented. In other words, the engaging
member 46c constituting the holding mechanism 46 engages with the
discharge valve 12 and holds the discharge valve 12 at a
predetermined height. Therefore, the discharge valve 12 is pulled
up by the rod 32 (FIGS. 3A-3H) connected to the discharge valve
hydraulic drive unit 14, and, after that, the discharge valve 12
descends when the clutch mechanism 30 is disconnected. The holding
claw 12b of the discharge valve 12 and the engaging member 46c of
the holding mechanism 46 engage with each other during the descent,
and the discharge valve 12 is held at the predetermined height.
[0083] Then, when the water level in the storage tank 10 drops to a
predetermined water level, the position of the float 26a descends,
and the float 26a and the arm member 46b rotate to the position
shown by imaginary lines in FIG. 4B. Since the engaging member 46c
is also rotated to the position shown by the imaginary lines in
FIG. 4B in conjunction with this rotation, the engagement between
the holding claw 12b and the engaging member 46c is released.
Thereby, the discharge valve 12 descends and seats on the drain
port 10a, and the drain port 10a is blocked.
[0084] Next, a description will be made on the water storage device
52 which is a timing control mechanism according to the first
embodiment of the present invention, with reference to FIGS. 2 and
4.
[0085] As described later, the water storage device 52 is
configured to, when the second amount of flush water is selected by
the remote controller 6 or the like, push down the float 26a of the
float device 26 and switch the holding mechanism 46 of the float
device 26 to the non-holding state before the water level in the
storage tank 10 drops to a predetermined water level. Thereby, the
timing of the discharge valve 12 descending and the drain port 10a
being blocked is earlier than the case of the first amount of flush
water being selected, and it is possible to cause flush water
corresponding to the second amount of flush water smaller than the
first amount of flush water to be discharged from the drain port
10a.
[0086] The water storage device 52 is provided with the discharge
unit 54 for discharging supplied flush water and a water storage
unit 56 for storing the flush water discharged from the discharge
unit 54. As described later, when the second amount of flush water
is selected by the remote controller 6 or the like, the water
storage device 52 uses flush water supplied from the first control
valve 16 to switch the holding mechanism 46 of the float device 26
to the non-holding state. More specifically, the water storage
device 52 switches the holding mechanism 46 to the non-holding
state by pushing down the float 26a of the float device 26 using
the weight of the flush water supplied from the first control valve
16. Thereby, the timing of causing the discharge valve 12 to
descend is controlled.
[0087] The discharge unit 54 is formed at the lower end of the
drive unit discharge passage 34b and extends downward. The
discharge unit 54 forms a tapering and downward discharge port.
Therefore, flush water is accelerated downward by the gravity, and
its flow velocity is further accelerated because the flow channel
is narrowed at the discharge port. The discharge unit 54 is
arranged inside the water storage unit 56 and at a height lower
than an upper end 56a. At least the discharge port at the lower end
of the discharge unit 54 is arranged inside the water storage unit
56 and at a height lower than the upper end 56a.
[0088] The water storage unit 56 is a hollow box-shaped member
arranged on the lower side of the discharge unit 54, and the upper
surface is open. Thereby, flush water discharged from the discharge
unit 54 flows into the water storage unit 56. The capacity of the
water storage unit 56 is smaller than the capacity of the cylinder
14a. The water storage unit 56 is supported movably in the vertical
direction in the storage tank 10 by a support member (not shown).
Furthermore, the water storage unit 56 is provided with a rod
member 56d which is a transmission portion extending downward in
the vertical direction from the bottom surface. The rod member 56d
is formed in a pillar shape and fixed to the bottom surface of the
water storage unit 56. Further, the water storage unit 56 is
arranged above the float device 26, and the lower end of the rod
member 56d faces the upper surface 26b of the float 26a. As shown
in FIG. 4A, when the water storage unit 56 is in a standby state (a
state in which flush water is not stored in the water storage unit
56), the lower end of the rod member 56d is supported above the
upper surface of the float 26a. Furthermore, in the state in which
flush water is not stored inside, the water storage unit 56 is
positioned above the stopped water level (the full water level WL)
of the storage tank 10.
[0089] Furthermore, a discharge hole 56b for discharging stored
flush water is formed in the water storage unit 56. The discharge
hole 56b is formed in a lower part of a side wall 56c of the water
storage unit 56 and forms an opening facing the opposite side of
the valve stem 12a of the discharge valve 12 in a plan view. The
discharge hole 56b forms a small hole with a relatively small
diameter. Therefore, an instantaneous flow rate A1 (see FIG. 7) of
flush water discharged outside the water storage unit 56 (into the
storage tank 10) from the discharge hole 56b is smaller than an
instantaneous flow rate A2 (see FIG. 6) of flush water discharged
from the discharge unit 54.
[0090] The rod member 56d is adapted to transmit the weight of the
water storage unit 56 to the float 26a. Since flush water is not
stored in the water storage unit 56 in the standby state before
starting washing, buoyancy that acts on the float 26a overcomes the
weight of the water storage unit 56, and the water storage unit 56
is positioned at an upper position as shown in FIG. 2. When flush
water with a weight more than a predetermined weight is stored in
the water storage unit 56, the water storage device 52 causes the
rod member 56d to operate so that force transmitted by the rod
member 56d pushes down the float 26a. Therefore, an upper surface
26b of the float 26a functions as a force receiving surface that
receives downward force of the rod member 56d. By the float 26a
being moved, being pushed down, the holding mechanism 46 is
switched from the holding state shown by the solid lines in FIGS.
4A-4B to the non-holding state shown by the imaginary lines in
FIGS. 4A-4B regardless of the water level in the storage tank 10,
and the discharge valve 12 descends by engagement with the engaging
member 46c of the holding mechanism 46 being released.
[0091] A contact point P that is the center of action on the upper
surface 26b by the rod member 56d is positioned on a side away from
the support shaft 46a relative to a center line C of the float 26a.
Since the rod member 56d acts on the side away from the support
shaft 46a relative to the center line C of the float 26a as
described above, the moment of force around the support shaft 46a
that acts by the rod member 56d can be increased.
[0092] Next, a description will be made on operation of the flush
water tank apparatus 4 according to the first embodiment of the
present invention and operation of the flush toilet apparatus 1
provided with the flush water tank apparatus 4, newly referring to
FIG. 2 and FIGS. 5 to 10.
[0093] First, in the toilet washing standby state shown in FIG. 2,
the water level in the storage tank 10 is the predetermined full
water level WL. In this state, both of the first control valve 16
and the second control valve 22 are closed. The holding mechanism
46 is in the holding state shown by the solid lines in FIG. 4A.
Next, when the user pushes a large washing button on the remote
controller 6 (FIG. 1), the remote controller 6 transmits an
instruction signal for executing the large washing mode to the
controller 40 (FIG. 2). When a small washing button is pushed, an
instruction signal for executing the small washing mode is
transmitted to the controller 40. Thus, in the present embodiment,
the flush toilet apparatus 1 is provided with the two washing
modes, the large washing mode and the small washing mode with
different amounts of flush water, and the remote controller 6
functions as the flush water amount selection device for selecting
the amount of flush water. The flush toilet apparatus 1 is provided
with the plurality of washing modes with different amounts of flush
water.
[0094] Note that, in the flush toilet apparatus 1 of the present
embodiment, if a predetermined time passes without the washing
button on the remote controller 6 not being pressed after it is
detected by the human sensor 8 (FIG. 1) that the user has left the
toilet seat, an instruction signal for toilet washing is also
transmitted to the controller 40. Further, if a time from the user
sitting on the toilet seat until leaving the toilet seat is shorter
than a predetermined time, the controller 40 judges that the user
has urinated and executes the small washing mode. On the other
hand, if the time from sitting on the toilet seat until leaving the
toilet seat is longer than the predetermined time, the controller
40 executes the large washing mode. Therefore, in this case, since
the large washing mode for performing washing with the first amount
of flush water or the small washing mode for performing washing
with the second amount of flush water is selected by the controller
40, the controller 40 functions as the flush water amount selection
device.
[0095] Next, operation of the large washing mode will be described
with reference to FIG. 2, and FIGS. 5 to 10.
[0096] When receiving an instruction signal to perform large
washing, the controller 40 causes the solenoid valve 18 (FIG. 2)
provided for the first control valve 16 to operate to cause the
pilot valve 16d on the solenoid valve side to leave from the pilot
valve port. Thereby, the pressure in the pressure chamber 16c
drops; the main valve body 16a leaves from the main valve port 16b;
and the main valve port 16b is opened. When the first control valve
16 is opened, flush water flowing in from the water supply pipe 38
is supplied to the discharge valve hydraulic drive unit 14 via the
first control valve 16 as shown in FIG. 5. Thereby, the piston 14b
of the discharge valve hydraulic drive unit 14 is pushed up; the
discharge valve 12 is pulled up via the rod 32; and flush water in
the storage tank 10 is discharged from the drain port 10a to the
flush toilet main body 2.
[0097] When the discharge valve 12 is pulled up, the holding claw
12b provided on the valve stem 12a of the discharge valve 12 causes
the engaging member 46c of the holding mechanism 46 to be pushed up
and rotated, and the holding claw 12b gets over the engaging member
46c (FIG. 4A-FIG. 4B).
[0098] Next, when the discharge valve 12 is further pulled up, the
clutch mechanism 30 is disconnected as shown in FIG. 6. In other
words, when the discharge valve 12 reaches a predetermined height,
the upper end of the hook member 30b of the clutch mechanism 30
hits the bottom surface of the discharge valve hydraulic drive unit
14, and the clutch mechanism 30 is disconnected (FIG. 3B-FIG.
3C).
[0099] When the clutch mechanism 30 is disconnected, the discharge
valve 12 starts to descend toward the drain port 10a due to its own
weight. Here, since the water level in the storage tank 10 is high
immediately after the discharge valve 12 is opened, the holding
mechanism 46 is in the holding state shown by the solid lines in
FIG. 4B.
[0100] Therefore, the holding claw 12b of the discharge valve 12
that has descended engages with the engaging member 46c of the
holding mechanism 46, and the discharge valve 12 is held at a
predetermined height by the holding mechanism 46. By the discharge
valve 12 being held by the holding mechanism 46, the drain port 10a
is kept in the open state, and discharge of flush water in the
storage tank 10 to the flush toilet main body 2 is kept. At this
time, the pilot valve 16d is still in the open state, and flush
water flowing in from the water supply pipe 38 is supplied to the
discharge valve hydraulic drive unit 14 via the first control valve
16. Since the piston 14b is raised to the second position, and the
drive unit water supply passage 34a and the drive unit discharge
passage 34b communicate with each other via the inside of the
cylinder 14a, flush water is discharged from the discharge unit 54
to the water storage unit 56.
[0101] Then, when the water level in the storage tank 10 drops as
shown in FIG. 7, the float switch 42 that detects the water level
in the storage tank 10 is turned off. When the float switch 42 is
turned off, the pilot valve 22c provided for the second control
valve 22 is opened. Thereby, flush water is supplied from the
second control valve 22 into the storage tank 10 via the water
supply passage 50. When a predetermined time passes after causing
the first control valve 16 to open, the controller 40 causes the
solenoid valve 18 to operate to close the pilot valve 16d on the
solenoid valve side. Thereby, the main valve body 16a of the first
control valve 16 is closed. Note that, in the case of executing the
large washing mode, the controller 40 causes the first control
valve 16 to be closed in a short time, after the discharge valve 12
is pulled up, and the clutch mechanism 30 is disconnected. Even
after the pilot valve 16d on the solenoid valve side is closed, the
open state of the second control valve 22 is kept, and water supply
to the storage tank 10 is continued.
[0102] Note that, though the pilot valve 22c is opened/closed based
on a detection signal of the float switch 42 in the present
embodiment, the present invention can be configured so that the
pilot valve 22c is mechanically opened/closed by a ball tap instead
of the float switch 42, as a modification. In this modification,
the pilot valve 22c is opened/closed in conjunction with a float
that moves up and down according to the water level in the storage
tank 10.
[0103] Since the first control valve 16 is closed, supply of flush
water to the discharge valve hydraulic drive unit 14 and the water
storage device 52 is stopped. When the large washing mode is
executed, a time until the first control valve 16 is closed after
being opened is relatively short, and, therefore, flush water
stored in the water storage unit 56 does not have weight enough to
push down the float 26a. Therefore, when the large washing mode is
executed, it does not happen that the float 26a is pushed down, and
the holding mechanism 46 is switched to the non-holding state, even
if flush water flows into the water storage unit 56. In other
words, the float 26a is kept in the state shown by the solid lines
in FIG. 4A, and the holding mechanism 46 is kept in the holding
state. Further, flush water stored in the water storage unit 56 is
gradually discharged from the discharge hole 56b.
[0104] As shown in FIG. 8, when the water level in the storage tank
10 drops to a predetermined water level WL1, the position of the
float 26a connected to the holding mechanism 46 descends. Thereby,
the holding mechanism 46 is switched to the non-holding state shown
by the imaginary lines in FIG. 4B. Thereby, engagement between the
engaging member 46c and the holding claw 12b of the discharge valve
12 is released. By the holding mechanism 46 being switched to the
non-holding state, the discharge valve 12 leaves from the holding
mechanism 46 and starts to descend again.
[0105] Thereby, the discharge valve 12 seats on the drain port 10a,
and the drain port 10a is blocked as shown in FIG. 9. Thus, when
the large washing mode is executed, the discharge valve 12 is held
until the water level in the storage tank 10 drops from the full
water level WL to the predetermined water level WL1, and the first
amount of flush water is discharged to the flush toilet main body
2.
[0106] Since the float switch 42 is still in the off state, the
open state of the second control valve 22 is kept, and water supply
to the storage tank 10 is continued. Flush water supplied via the
water supply passage 50 reaches the water supply passage branch
portion 50a, and a part of the flush water branched at the water
supply passage branch portion 50a flows into the overflow pipe 10b,
and the remaining flush water is stored in the storage tank 10. The
flush water flowing into the overflow pipe 10b flows into the flush
toilet main body 2 and is used to refill the bowl 2a. By flush
water flowing into the storage tank 10 in the state of the
discharge valve 12 being closed, the water level in the storage
tank 10 rises.
[0107] When the water level in the storage tank 10 rises to the
full water level WL as shown in FIG. 10, the float switch 42 is
turned on. When the float switch 42 is turned on, the pilot valve
22c on the float switch side is closed. Thereby, the pilot valve
22c enters the closed state. Therefore, pressure in the pressure
chamber 22b rises, the main valve body 22a of the second control
valve 22 is closed, and water supply is stopped.
[0108] After the first control valve 16 is closed, and water supply
to the discharge valve hydraulic drive unit 14 is stopped, flush
water in the cylinder 14a of the discharge valve hydraulic drive
unit 14 gradually flows out from the gap 14d, the piston 14b is
pushed down by the energizing force of the spring 14c, and,
simultaneously, the rod 32 descends as shown in FIG. 10. Thereby,
the clutch mechanism 30 is connected (FIG. 3E to FIG. 3H), and the
standby state before starting toilet washing is returned to.
[0109] Next, operation of the small washing mode will be described
with reference to FIG. 2, and FIGS. 11 to 15.
[0110] As shown in FIG. 2, the toilet washing standby state is
similar to that of the large washing.
[0111] When receiving an instruction signal to perform small
washing, the controller 40 causes the solenoid valve 18 provided
for the first control valve 16 to operate to open the first control
valve 16. The controller 40 leaves the second control valve 22
closed.
[0112] When the first control valve 16 is opened, flush water
flowing in from the water supply pipe 38 is supplied to the
discharge valve hydraulic drive unit 14 via the first control valve
16 as shown in FIG. 11. Thereby, the piston 14b of the discharge
valve hydraulic drive unit 14 is pushed up; the discharge valve 12
is pulled up via the rod 32; and flush water in the storage tank 10
is discharged from the drain port 10a to the flush toilet main body
2. Note that, when the discharge valve 12 is pulled up, the holding
claw 12b (FIG. 4A) provided on the valve stem 12a of the discharge
valve 12 pushes up and rotates the engaging member 46c of the
holding mechanism 46, and the holding claw 12b gets over the
engaging member 46c.
[0113] Next, when the discharge valve 12 is further pulled up, the
clutch mechanism 30 is disconnected as shown in FIG. 12. In other
words, when the discharge valve 12 reaches a predetermined height,
the upper end of the hook member 30b of the clutch mechanism 30
hits the bottom surface of the discharge valve hydraulic drive unit
14, and the clutch mechanism 30 is disconnected (FIG. 3B-FIG.
3C).
[0114] When the clutch mechanism 30 is disconnected, the discharge
valve 12 starts to descend toward the drain port 10a due to its own
weight. Here, since the water level in the storage tank 10 is high
immediately after the discharge valve 12 is opened, the holding
mechanism 46 is in the holding state shown by the solid lines in
FIG. 4B. Therefore, the holding claw 12b of the discharge valve 12
that has descended engages with the engaging member 46c of the
holding mechanism 46, and the discharge valve 12 is held at a
predetermined height by the holding mechanism 46. By the discharge
valve 12 being held by the holding mechanism 46, the drain port 10a
is kept in the open state, and discharge of flush water in the
storage tank 10 to the flush toilet main body 2 is kept. At this
time, the pilot valve 16d is still in the open state, and flush
water flowing in from the water supply pipe 38 is supplied to the
discharge valve hydraulic drive unit 14 via the first control valve
16. Thereby, the piston 14b is raised to the second position, and
the drive unit water supply passage 34a and the drive unit
discharge passage 34b are caused communicate with each other via
the inside of the cylinder 14a, so that flush water is supplied to
the water storage device 52.
[0115] Then, when, by flush water in the storage tank 10 being
discharged, the water level in the storage tank 10 drops as shown
in FIG. 13, the float switch 42 detecting the water level in the
storage tank 10 is turned off. When the float switch 42 is turned
off, the pilot valve 22c provided for the second control valve 22
is opened. Thereby, flush water is supplied into the storage tank
10 from the second control valve 22 via the water supply passage
50. When the small washing mode is selected, the controller 40
keeps the pilot valve 16d of the first control valve 16 open.
Thereby, flush water supplied from the water supply pipe 38 is
discharged from the discharge unit 54 to the water storage unit 56
via the first control valve 16 and the discharge valve hydraulic
drive unit 14.
[0116] The flush water discharged from the discharge unit 54 is
stored in the water storage unit 56. Further, the flush water in
the water storage unit 56 is slightly discharged outside the water
storage unit 56 (in the storage tank 10) from the discharge hole
56b. The instantaneous flow rate A1 (see FIG. 14) of the flush
water discharged from the discharge hole 56b is smaller than the
instantaneous flow rate A2 (see FIG. 13) of the flush water
discharged from the discharge unit 54. Therefore, the weight of the
flush water stored in the water storage unit 56 increases. When the
weight of the flush water stored in the water storage unit 56
increases enough to overcome buoyancy of the float 26a, the rod
member 56d of the water storage unit 56 pushes down the upper
surface 26b of the float 26a and pushes down the float 26a. By the
float 26a being pushed down, the holding mechanism 46 is switched
to the non-holding state shown by the imaginary lines in FIGS.
4A-4B. By the holding mechanism 46 being switched to the
non-holding state, engagement between the engaging member 46c and
the holding claw 12b of the discharge valve 12 is released, and the
discharge valve 12 leaves from the holding mechanism 46 and starts
to descend again.
[0117] Thereby, the discharge valve 12 seats on the drain port 10a,
and the drain port 10a is blocked as shown in FIG. 14. Thus, when
the small washing mode is executed, the amount of flush water
stored in the water storage unit 56 increases because the period of
the first control valve 16 being open is longer in comparison with
the case of the large washing mode being executed, and the float
26a is pushed down by the weight of the flush water. Thereby, the
holding mechanism 46 of the float device 26 is switched to the
non-holding state before the water level in the storage tank 10
drops to the predetermined water level WL1. In other words, in the
large washing mode, when the water level in the storage tank 10
drops to the predetermined water level WL1, the holding mechanism
46 is switched to the non-holding state due to the water level
drop. In comparison, in the small washing mode, when the water
level in the storage tank 10 drops to a water level WL2 higher than
the predetermined water level WL1, the float 26a is pushed down by
the weight of the water storage unit 56, and the holding mechanism
46 is switched to the non-holding state. As a result, in the small
washing mode, by the discharge valve 12 being held by the holding
mechanism 46 until the water level drops from the full water level
WL to the predetermined water level WL2, the second amount of flush
water is discharged to the flush toilet main body 2. Therefore, the
second amount of flush water discharged from the storage tank 10 in
the small washing mode is smaller than the first amount of flush
water discharged in the large washing mode.
[0118] After the drain port 10a is blocked, the float switch 42 is
still in the off state, and, therefore, the open state of the
second control valve 22 is kept, water supply to the storage tank
10 is continued, and the water level in the storage tank 10 rises
again.
[0119] When a predetermined time passes after opening the solenoid
valve 18, the controller 40 closes the solenoid valve 18. As the
predetermined time, for example, a time during which flush water
enough for the water storage unit 56 to descend can be supplied to
the water storage unit 56 is set. Therefore, after passage of the
predetermined time, the first control valve 16 is closed. Discharge
of flush water from the discharge unit 54 to the water storage unit
56 is stopped. Flush water stored in the water storage unit 56 is
gradually discharged from the discharge hole 56b. By the flush
water in the water storage unit 56 decreasing and the weight being
lighter, the water storage unit 56 is pushed up by the buoyancy
that acts on the float 26a, and the water storage unit 56 is raised
to the position of the standby state again. The flush water in the
water storage unit 56 flows out until the water storage unit 56
becomes empty.
[0120] When the water level in the storage tank 10 rises to the
full water level WL as shown in FIG. 15, the float switch 42 is
turned on. When the float switch 42 is turned on, the pilot valve
22c on the float switch side is closed. Since the pilot valve 22c
enters the closed state thereby, the pressure in the pressure
chamber 22b rises, the main valve body 22a of the second control
valve 22 is closed, and water supply is stopped.
[0121] After the first control valve 16 is closed, and water supply
to the discharge valve hydraulic drive unit 14 is stopped, flush
water in the cylinder 14a of the discharge valve hydraulic drive
unit 14 gradually flows out from the gap 14d, the piston 14b is
pushed down by the energizing force of the spring 14c, and,
simultaneously, the rod 32 descends as shown in FIG. 15. Thereby,
the clutch mechanism 30 is connected (FIG. 3E to FIG. 3H), and the
standby state before starting toilet washing is returned to.
[0122] According to the flush water tank apparatus 4 according to
the first embodiment of the present invention described above,
since the discharge valve 12 and the discharge valve hydraulic
drive unit 14 are coupled by the clutch mechanism 30 and
disconnected at the predetermined timing, it becomes possible to
cause the discharge valve 12 to move regardless of the operation
speed of the discharge valve hydraulic drive unit 14 and cause the
discharge valve 12 to be closed.
[0123] When the large washing mode is selected, the holding
mechanism 46 of the float device 26 holds the discharge valve 12
until the water level in the storage tank 10 drops to the
predetermined water level WL1. When the small washing mode is
selected, the water storage device 52, which is the timing control
mechanism, switches the holding mechanism 46 to the non-holding
state before the water level in the storage tank 10 drops to the
predetermined water level WL1. Thereby, it is possible to block the
drain port 10a at a timing different from the timing in the case of
the large washing mode being selected, using the float device 26.
Therefore, according to the first embodiment of the present
invention, it is possible to set the first or second amount of
flush water using the clutch mechanism 30 and the float device
26.
[0124] Furthermore, according to the flush water tank apparatus 4
according to the first embodiment of the present invention, when
the second amount of flush water is selected by the remote
controller 6, the water storage device 52 can cause the holding
mechanism 46 to be in the non-holding state before the holding
mechanism 46 is caused to be in the non-holding state by movement
of the float 26a accompanying drop of the water level in the
storage tank 10. Thereby, it is possible to cause the discharge
valve 12 to descend without waiting for drop of the water level in
the storage tank 10, and set the second amount of flush water
smaller than the first amount of flush water. Further, if the water
storage device 52 does not operate due to a fault, the first amount
of flush water is discharged. Therefore, it is possible to avoid
shortage of flush water.
[0125] Furthermore, according to the flush water tank apparatus 4
according to the first embodiment of the present invention, when
the second amount of flush water is selected by the remote
controller 6, the water storage device 52 switches the holding
mechanism 46 to the non-holding state before the water level in the
storage tank 10 drops to the predetermined water level WL1.
Thereby, the discharge valve 12 that starts to descend by the
clutch mechanism 30 being disconnected descends below the holding
mechanism 46 before the water level in the storage tank 10 drops to
the predetermined water level WL1, and blocks the drain port 10a.
As a result, it is possible to certainly cause the float device 26
to operate and set the second amount of flush water smaller than
the first amount of flush water.
[0126] Furthermore, according to the flush water tank apparatus 4
according to the first embodiment of the present invention, since
it is possible to switch the holding mechanism 46 of the float
device 26 to the non-holding state using tap water, it is possible
to control the timing of causing the discharge valve 12 to descend,
by a compact and simple configuration without providing a special
actuator or the like for switching the holding mechanism 46, in the
storage tank 10.
[0127] Furthermore, according to the flush water tank apparatus 4
according to the first embodiment of the present invention, since
it is possible to use the same first control valve 16 as a control
valve for supplying flush water to the water storage device 52 and
a control valve for supplying flush water to the discharge valve
hydraulic drive unit 14, it is possible to control the timing of
causing the discharge valve 12 to descend, with a more compact and
simpler configuration.
[0128] Furthermore, according to the flush water tank apparatus 4
according to the first embodiment of the present invention, since
the water storage device 52 is provided on the downstream side of
the discharge valve hydraulic drive unit 14, flush water supplied
from the first control valve 16 can be used to supply flush water
to the water storage device 52. Thereby, in comparison with the
case of supplying flush water to the water storage device 52 and
the discharge valve hydraulic drive unit 14 separately, it is
possible to cause the water storage device 52 and the discharge
valve hydraulic drive unit 14 to operate with a small amount of
flush water and reduce wasted flush water.
[0129] According to the flush water tank apparatus 4 according to
the first embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to
cause the discharge valve 12 to descend at a timing according to a
selected amount of flush water, by the simple control of changing
the period of flush water being supplied to the water storage
device 52, by the first control valve 16.
[0130] Furthermore, according to the flush water tank apparatus 4
according to the first embodiment of the present invention, it is
possible to control the timing of causing the discharge valve 12 to
descend by the simple control of, when the second amount of flush
water is selected by the remote controller 6, causing the period of
flush water being supplied to the water storage device 52 to be
longer in comparison with the case of the first amount of flush
water being selected, by the first control valve 16.
[0131] Furthermore, according to the flush water tank apparatus 4
according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the
first control valve 16 supplies flush water to the water storage
device 52 after the clutch mechanism 30 is disconnected. Thereby,
the water storage device 52 can control the timing of causing the
discharge valve 12 to descend, without hindering the operation of
the discharge valve 12 being pulled up by the clutch mechanism
30.
[0132] Further, according to the flush water tank apparatus 4
according to the first embodiment of the present invention
described above, since the discharge valve 12 and the discharge
valve hydraulic drive unit 14 are coupled by the clutch mechanism
30 and disconnected at the predetermined timing, it becomes
possible to cause the discharge valve 12 to move regardless of the
operation speed of the discharge valve hydraulic drive unit 14 and
cause the discharge valve 12 to be closed. Thereby, it becomes
possible to, even if the operation speed of the discharge valve
hydraulic drive unit 14 varies at the time of causing the discharge
valve 12 to descend, control the timing of causing the discharge
valve 12 to be closed without being influenced by the variation.
When the second amount of flush water is selected by the remote
controller 6, the timing of causing the discharge valve 12 to
descend can be controlled by the float device 26 so that the timing
of the drain port 10a being blocked is earlier than the case of the
first amount of flush water being selected. Therefore, according to
the first embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to
set the first or second amount of flush water using the clutch
mechanism 30.
[0133] Furthermore, according to the flush water tank apparatus 4
according to the first embodiment of the present invention, when
the second amount of flush water is selected by the remote
controller 6, the float device 26 can control the timing of causing
the discharge valve 12 to descend, by flush water discharged from
the discharge unit 54 and can set the first and second amounts of
flush water using the clutch mechanism 30. Thereby, for example, in
comparison with a case of the float device 26 being operated by a
motor, an electric drive unit and the like can be omitted, and the
float device 26 can control the timing of causing the discharge
valve 12 to descend by a compact and simple configuration and can
set the first and second amounts of flush water using the clutch
mechanism 30.
[0134] Furthermore, according to the flush water tank apparatus 4
according to the first embodiment of the present invention, when
the second amount of flush water is selected by the remote
controller 6, the float device 26 can control the timing of causing
the discharge valve 12 to descend, by weight of flush water stored
in the water storage unit 56. Thereby, it is possible to control
the timing of causing the discharge valve 12 to descend by a
simpler configuration and set the first and second amounts of flush
water, using the clutch mechanism 30.
[0135] Furthermore, according to the flush water tank apparatus 4
according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the
float device 26 can control the timing of causing the discharge
valve 12 to descend, by the amount of flush water smaller than the
amount of flush water to drive the piston 14b of the discharge
valve hydraulic drive unit 14 being stored in the water storage
unit 56, and the float device 26 can control the timing of causing
the discharge valve 12 to descend relatively early with a
relatively small amount of flush water.
[0136] Furthermore, according to the flush water tank apparatus 4
according to the first embodiment of the present invention, since
the discharge unit 54 forms a downward discharge port, force of
flush water discharged downward can be added to the weight of flush
water stored in the water storage unit 56, so that the size of the
water storage unit 56 can be reduced, and the float device 26 can
control the timing of causing the discharge valve 12 to descend
relatively early with a smaller amount of flush water.
[0137] Furthermore, according to the flush water tank apparatus 4
according to the first embodiment of the present invention, since
the discharge unit 54 is arranged inside the water storage unit 56
and at a height lower than the upper end of the water storage unit
56, it is possible to prevent discharged flush water from being
dispersed outside the water storage unit 56, and the float device
26 can control the timing of causing the discharge valve 12 to
descend by supply of a smaller amount of flush water. Further, by
flush water being prevented from being dispersed outside the water
storage unit 56, it is possible to prevent malfunction of the
clutch mechanism 30 and other equipment in the storage tank 10 from
occurring due to dispersed flush water and prevent dispersed flush
water from falling into the storage tank 10 and causing a strange
sound.
[0138] Furthermore, according to the flush water tank apparatus 4
according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the
water storage unit 56 is prevented from receiving buoyancy of flush
water stored in the storage tank 10, and the float device 26 can
control the timing of causing the discharge valve 12 to descend by
supply of a smaller amount of flush water.
[0139] Furthermore, according to the flush water tank apparatus 4
according to the first embodiment of the present invention, since
the discharge hole 56b for discharging stored flush water is formed
in the water storage unit 56, the water storage unit 56 is capable
of both of storing flush water and causing the flush water to be
discharged by a relatively simple configuration.
[0140] Furthermore, according to the flush water tank apparatus 4
according to the first embodiment of the present invention, it is
possible to prevent a flow of flush water discharged from the
discharge hole 56b from acting on equipment provided on the
discharge valve 12 side, for example, equipment such as the holding
mechanism and the float of the float device 26 and causing the
equipment to malfunction.
[0141] Furthermore, according to the flush water tank apparatus 4
according to the first embodiment of the present invention, since
the instantaneous flow rate of the flush water discharged from the
discharge hole 56b is smaller than the instantaneous flow rate of
the flush water discharged from the discharge unit 54, flush water
can be efficiently stored in the water storage unit 56, and the
float device 26 can control the timing of causing the discharge
valve 12 to descend by supply of a smaller amount of flush
water.
[0142] Furthermore, according to the flush water tank apparatus 4
according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the
float device 26 can stably control the timing of causing the
discharge valve 12 to descend, by a relatively simple mechanical
structure. According to such a structure, in comparison with a case
of adopting a mechanism in which, when a seesaw-shaped transmission
portion is used for the water storage unit 56 to ascend due to the
weight of the amount of flush water stored in the water storage
unit 56 becoming a predetermined weight or below, downward force is
transmitted to the opposite side of the transmission portion to
cause the float of the float device 26 to descend, the rod member
56d of the float device 26 directly transmits descending force of
the water storage unit 56 so as to cause the float 26a to descend,
and it is possible to control the timing of causing the discharge
valve 12 to descend, with a higher accuracy.
[0143] The first embodiment of the present invention has been
described above. Various changes can be added to the first
embodiment described above. For example, though the water storage
unit 56 is provided with the rod member 56d in the first embodiment
described above, a seesaw-type force transmission device (a
seesaw-shaped transmission unit) in such a shape that the letter Z
is rotated by 90 degrees may be arranged instead of the rod member
56d as a modification. One end of the force transmission device is
connected to the bottom surface of the water storage unit 56, and
the other end of the force transmission device is arranged near the
upper surface 26b of the float 26a. A rotation center shaft is
provided at the center of the force transmission device. When the
water storage unit 56 descends, and the one end of the force
transmission device descends, the other end of the force
transmission device ascends like a seesaw. Furthermore, an
energizing member is provided on the bottom surface of the water
storage unit 56, and the water storage unit 56 is energized upward.
In this configuration, when there is little flush water in the
water storage unit 56, the water storage unit 56 and the one end of
the force transmission device ascend, while the other end of the
force transmission device descends and pushes down the float 26a.
On the contrary, when the flush water stored in the water storage
unit 56 increases, the water storage unit 56 descends, and the
other end of the force transmission device ascends. Therefore, the
float device 26 is switched between the holding state and the
non-holding state according to the water level in the storage tank
10.
[0144] In this modification, when the large washing mode is
selected, the controller 40 causes flush water to be discharged
from the discharge unit 54 to the water storage unit 56, causes the
water storage unit 56 to descend and causes the float 26a not to
descend, via the force transmission device at least until the water
level in the storage tank 10 reaches the predetermined water level
WL1, and the float 26a descends according to the water level.
Thereby, the discharge valve 12 is caused to descend at a timing
corresponding to the predetermined water level WL1, which is an
original descent timing according to the water level of the float
26a, and the large washing mode is achieved. In other words, the
period during which flush water flows into the water storage unit
56 is lengthened to cause the water storage unit 56 to descend so
that the holding state and the non-holding state of the float
device 26 can be switched according to the water level in the
storage tank 10.
[0145] When the small washing mode is selected, the controller 40
causes the water storage unit 56 to ascend and causes the float 26a
to descend via the force transmission device, by closing the
solenoid valve 18 when a predetermined time during which the second
amount of flush water can be discharged has passed after opening
the solenoid valve 18, and stopping discharge of the discharge unit
54 to shorten the period during which flush water flows into the
water storage unit 56. Thereby, the discharge valve 12 is caused to
descend by causing the float 26a to forcedly descend at such a
predetermined timing that the second amount of flush water can be
discharged, and the small washing mode is achieved.
[0146] Further, for example, though the water storage device 52
that causes flush water discharged from the discharge unit 54 to
function as water weight that pushes down the float device 26 is
provided as the timing control mechanism of the flush water tank
apparatus 4 in the first embodiment described above, a
configuration may be made in which the float device 26 is pushed
down by kinetic energy of the flush water discharged from the
discharge unit 54 as a second modification of the timing control
mechanism. In other words, the present invention can be configured
with the discharge unit 54 as the timing control mechanism. In this
modification, flush water is supplied to the discharge unit 54 via
a control valve provided separately from the first control valve
16.
[0147] In this modification, when the large washing mode is
selected, the controller 40 causes the discharge unit 54 not to
discharge flush water and causes the float device 26 not to descend
at least until the water level in the storage tank 10 reaches the
predetermined water level WL1, and the float device 26 descends
according to the water level. Thereby, the discharge valve 12 is
caused to descend at the timing corresponding to the predetermined
water level WL1, which is the original descent timing of the float
device 26, and the large washing mode can be executed.
[0148] Further, when the small washing mode is selected, the
controller 40 switches the holding mechanism 46 of the float device
26 to the non-holding state, by causing the discharge unit 54 to
discharge flush water at a predetermined timing and causing the
float 26a to forcedly descend. Thereby, the discharge valve 12 is
caused to descend at a timing corresponding to the predetermined
water level WL2, and the small washing mode can be executed.
[0149] Or alternatively, as a modification of the second
modification, a configuration can be made in which the seesaw-type
force transmission device as that in the modification described
above is arranged near the upper surface 26b of the float 26a. In
such a modification, when flush water is jetted toward the force
transmission device from the discharge unit 54, the force
transmission device does not interfere with the float 26a and does
not transmit force. On the other hand, when the jet of flush water
to the force transmission device is stopped, the force transmission
device pushes down the float 26a, and the float device 26 is
switched to the non-holding state.
[0150] In this modification, when the large washing mode is
selected, the controller 40 causes the float device 26 not to
descend, via the force transmission device by continuing
discharging flush water from the discharge unit 54 without closing
the first control valve 16, at least until the water level in the
storage tank 10 reaches the predetermined water level WL1, and the
float device 26 descends according to the water level. Thereby, the
discharge valve 12 is caused to descend at the timing corresponding
to the predetermined water level WL1, which is the original descent
timing of the float device 26, and the large washing mode can be
executed.
[0151] Further, when the small washing mode is selected, the
controller 40 switches the holding mechanism 46 of the float device
26 to the non-holding state by causing the float device 26 to
forcedly descend via the force transmission device by closing the
first control valve 16 when the predetermined time during which the
second amount of flush water can be discharged has passed and
stopping discharge from the discharge unit 54. Thereby, the
discharge valve 12 is caused to descend at the timing corresponding
to the predetermined water level WL2, and the small washing mode
can be executed.
[0152] Further, as a third modification of the timing control
mechanism of the flush water tank apparatus 4, a hydraulic drive
device can be adopted which is provided with a pressure chamber
into which flush water flows and a rod that moves toward the float
device 26 by receiving water supply pressure of the flush water
that flows into the pressure chamber. In other words, the present
invention can be configured, with the hydraulic drive device that
causes the rod to move by water supply pressure applied on the
pressure chamber as the timing control mechanism. In this
modification, the configuration is made so that the float 26a of
the float device 26 is pushed down by the rod of the hydraulic
drive device.
[0153] In this modification, when the large washing mode is
selected, the controller 40 does not supply flush water to the
hydraulic drive device and causes the float device 26 not to
descend at least until the water level in the storage tank 10
reaches the predetermined water level WL1, and the float device 26
descends according to the water level. Thereby, the discharge valve
12 is caused to descend at the timing corresponding to the
predetermined water level WL1, which is the original descent timing
of the float device 26, and the large washing mode can be
executed.
[0154] When the small washing mode is selected, the controller 40
supplies flush water to the hydraulic drive device at a
predetermined timing and causes the flush water to flow into the
pressure chamber. By the water supply pressure in the pressure
chamber increasing, the rod is moved toward the float 26a, and the
float device 26 is forcedly switched to the non-holding state.
Thereby, the discharge valve 12 is caused to descend at the timing
corresponding to the predetermined water level WL2, and the small
washing mode can be executed.
[0155] Or alternatively, as a modification of the third
modification, the hydraulic drive device can be configured so that
the rod ascends when receiving the water supply pressure of flush
water flowing into the pressure chamber, and the rod descends when
water supply is stopped.
[0156] In this modification, when the large washing mode is
selected, the controller 40 continues supplying flush water to the
pressure chamber of the hydraulic drive device at least until the
water level in the storage tank 10 reaches the predetermined water
level WL1, and the float device 26 descends according to the water
level. By the water supply pressure in the pressure chamber being
kept high, the rod causes the float device 26 not to descend.
Thereby, the discharge valve 12 is caused to descend at the timing
corresponding to the predetermined water level WL1, which is the
original descent timing of the float device 26, and the large
washing mode can be executed.
[0157] When the small washing mode is selected, the controller 40
causes supply of flush water to the pressure chamber of the
hydraulic drive device to stop when the predetermined time during
which the second amount of flush water can be discharged has
passed. By the pressure in the pressure chamber decreasing, the rod
of the hydraulic drive device is moved toward the float device 26.
Thereby, the float 26a is caused to forcedly descend, and the
holding mechanism 46 of the float device 26 is switched to the
non-holding state. Thereby, the discharge valve 12 is caused to
descend at the timing corresponding to the predetermined water
level WL2, and the small washing mode can be executed.
[0158] Further, as a fourth modification of the timing control
mechanism of the flush water tank apparatus 4, it is possible to
provide a small tank for storing flush water and provide a second
float in the small tank. A configuration is made in which a rod is
connected to the bottom surface of the second float in the small
tank, and the float 26a is pushed down by this rod. In other words,
the present invention can be configured, with a configuration in
which, when the water level in the small tank drops, the rod
descends together with the second float and pushes down the float
26a, as the timing control mechanism.
[0159] In this modification, when the large washing mode is
selected, the controller 40 prevents the water level in the small
tank from dropping to cause the second float in the small tank not
to descend, by continuing supplying flush water to the small tank
at least until the water level in the storage tank 10 reaches the
predetermined water level WL1, and the float device 26 descends
according to the water level. Thereby, it does not happen that the
float 26a is caused to descend by the rod connected to the bottom
surface of the second float; the discharge valve 12 is caused to
descend at the timing corresponding to the predetermined water
level WL1, which is the original descent timing of the float device
26; and the large washing mode can be executed.
[0160] When the small washing mode is selected, the controller 40
causes supply of flush water to the small tank to stop when the
predetermined time during which the second amount of flush water
can be discharged has passed. By the water level in the small tank
dropping, the rod descends together with the second float, the
float 26a is caused to forcedly descend, and the holding mechanism
46 of the float device 26 is switched to the non-holding state.
Thereby, the discharge valve 12 is caused to descend at the timing
corresponding to the predetermined water level WL2, and the small
washing mode can be executed.
[0161] Or alternatively, as a modification of the fourth
modification, a configuration can be made in which a seesaw-type
force transmission device as that in the modification described
above is connected to the bottom surface of the second float in the
small tank. In this modification, when the water level in the small
tank rises, the second float also rises, and the force transmission
device connected to the second float pushes down the float 26a.
[0162] In this modification, when the large washing mode is
selected, the controller 40 causes flush water not to flow into the
small tank and causes the float 26a not to descend at least until
the water level in the storage tank 10 reaches the predetermined
water level WL1, and the float device 26 descends according to the
water level. Thereby, the discharge valve 12 is caused to descend
at the timing corresponding to the predetermined water level WL1,
which is the original descent timing of the float device 26, and
the large washing mode can be executed.
[0163] When the small washing mode is selected, the controller 40
causes flush water to flow into the small tank at a predetermined
timing to cause the water level in the small tank to rise. The
second float rises together with the rise of the water level in the
small tank; the float 26a is caused to forcedly descend via the
force transmission device; and the holding mechanism 46 of the
float device 26 is switched to the non-holding state. Thereby, the
discharge valve 12 is caused to descend at the timing corresponding
to the predetermined water level WL2, and the small washing mode
can be executed.
[0164] Further, for example, though the drive unit discharge
passage 34b leading to the discharge unit 54 is connected to the
discharge valve hydraulic drive unit 14 in the first embodiment
described above, the drive unit discharge passage 34b may be
omitted, and the discharge unit 54 may be connected to the water
supply passage 50 as a further modification. In this case, by
arranging the discharge unit 54 at the distal end of the water
supply passage 50 extending from the second control valve 22,
toward the water storage unit 56, and causing the second control
valve 22 to open at a predetermined timing, flush water is supplied
to the water storage unit 56 from the discharge unit 54 of the
water supply passage 50. In this case, a water supply device is
separately provided for the flush water tank apparatus 4 to supply
water to the storage tank 10. Thereby, the controller 40 can supply
flush water from the discharge unit 54 to the water storage unit 56
at an arbitrary timing by controlling the second control valve 22
and execute control of the large washing mode and the small washing
mode.
[0165] Further, for example, though the flush water tank apparatus
4 is provided with the float device 26 that is used for both of the
large washing mode and the small washing mode in the first
embodiment described above, the flush water tank apparatus 4 may be
provided with a float device for the large washing mode and a float
device for the small washing mode separately as a further
modification. The float device for the large washing mode forms the
timing control mechanism for holding the pulled-up discharge valve
12 at a first position. The float device for the small washing mode
forms a timing control mechanism for holding the pulled-up
discharge valve 12 at a second position lower than the first
position. Each of basic configurations of both float devices is
similar to the float device 26. The rod member 56d of the water
storage unit 56 is formed so as to act on the float device for the
large washing mode. A description will be made on a case of
adopting a structure which is provided with the above structure of
the modification and in which the drive unit discharge passage 34b
as in the modification described above is omitted, and the
discharge unit 54 is connected to the water supply passage 50.
[0166] When the large washing mode is selected, the controller 40
causes flush water not to be discharged from the discharge unit 54
of the water supply passage 50 to the water storage unit 56 and
causes the float device for the large washing mode not to descend
by the rod member 56d of the water storage unit 56 at least until
the water level in the storage tank 10 reaches the predetermined
water level WL1, and the float device for the large washing mode
descends according to the water level. Thereby, the discharge valve
12 is caused to descend at the timing corresponding to the
predetermined water level WL1, which is an original descent timing
of the float device for the large washing mode according to the
water level, and the large washing mode can be executed.
[0167] Further, when the small washing mode is selected, the
controller 40 supplies flush water from the discharge unit 54 of
the water supply passage 50 to the water storage unit 56 by opening
the second control valve 22 at a predetermined timing, causes the
rod member 56d of the water storage unit 56 to descend, forcingly
pushes down the float device for the large washing mode, and causes
the holding mechanism 46 extending from the float device for the
large washing mode to the non-holding state. Thereby, the holding
claw 12b of the descending discharge valve 12 is in the holding
state by the holding mechanism 46 of the float device for the small
washing mode. After that, the float device for the small washing
mode is caused to descend at the timing corresponding to the
predetermined water level WL2; the holding mechanism 46 of the
float device for the small washing mode enters the non-holding
state and causes the discharge valve 12 to descend, and the small
washing mode for discharging the second amount of flush water can
be executed.
[0168] For example, though the rod member 56d of the water storage
unit 56 is provided so as to push down the upper surface of the
float 26a in the first embodiment described above, a rod member
arranged horizontally relative to the water storage unit 56 may
move horizontally due to descent of the water storage unit 56 and
acts on the clutch mechanism 30 to disconnect the clutch mechanism
30, as a further modification. To make a description on the present
modification, the water storage unit 56 is provided with a rod
member that is horizontally movable, and a sloped portion that
obliquely rises from the bottom surface of the water storage unit
56. The distal end of the rod member is formed in a T shape. By
causing the T-shaped portion to act on the clutch mechanism 30, the
clutch mechanism 30 can be disconnected early. By coming into
contact with the base portion of the rod member, the sloped portion
converts downward movement of the water storage unit 56 to
horizontal movement of the rod member. In this way, by causing the
rod member to move in the horizontal direction to a position where
the T-shaped portion acts on the clutch mechanism 30, at a
relatively early timing, accompanying the descent of the water
storage unit 56, the water storage unit 56 can disconnect the
clutch mechanism 30. The above structure may be changed to another
structure capable of acting on the clutch mechanism 30 due to
descent of the water storage unit 56 to disconnect the clutch
mechanism 30.
[0169] By forming the structure as described above, the height to
which the discharge valve 12 is pulled up (the height at which the
clutch mechanism 30 is disconnected) is adjusted; and, in the large
washing mode, the clutch mechanism 30 is disconnected not by the
water storage unit 56 but by the bottom surface of the discharge
valve hydraulic drive unit 14, which is an original disconnection
position, so that the discharge valve 12 is held by the holding
mechanism 46 connected to the float device for the large washing
mode. Thereby, the large washing mode can be achieved. Further, in
the small washing mode, the clutch mechanism 30 is disconnected
early by operation of the water storage unit 56 so that the
discharge valve 12 is held by the holding mechanism 46 connected to
the float device for the small washing mode, and, thereby, the
small washing mode is achieved.
[0170] For example, though the flush water tank apparatus 4 is
provided with the float device 26 in the first embodiment described
above, the float device 26 may be omitted, and a rod member
arranged horizontally relative to the water storage unit 56 may
move horizontally due to descent of the water storage unit 56 and
acts on the clutch mechanism 30 so that the clutch mechanism 30 is
disconnected early, like the modification described above, as a
further modification. In other words, in the present modification,
by omitting the float device 26, and disconnecting the clutch
mechanism 30 at an arbitrary timing according to the amount of
flush water supplied to the water storage unit 56, the large
washing mode and the small washing mode can be executed. Note that
modifications have been illustrated as described above, the
structure of each modification and the structure of the one
embodiment may be arbitrarily recombined, or extracted and
changed.
[0171] Next, a description will be made on a flush water tank
apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention
with reference to FIGS. 16 to 27. Note that, as for portions of a
flush water tank apparatus 104 according to the second embodiment
of the present invention shown in FIGS. 16 to 27 that are the same
as portions of the flush water tank apparatus 4 according to the
first embodiment of the present invention described above and shown
in FIGS. 1 to 15, the same reference numerals will be given, and
description thereof will be omitted.
[0172] First, in the flush water tank apparatus 104 according to
the second embodiment of the present invention shown in FIGS. 16 to
26, the remote controller 6 functions as the flush water amount
selection device capable of selecting between a first amount of
flush water for washing the flush toilet main body 2 and a second
amount of flush water larger than the first amount of flush water.
The configuration of the timing control mechanism for controlling
the timing of the discharge valve 12 descending and the drain port
10a being blocked is different from the structure of the flush
water tank apparatus 4 according to the first embodiment described
above.
[0173] As shown in FIG. 16, a small tank device 152, which is the
timing control mechanism, is provided with a discharge unit 154
that discharges supplied flush water, a small tank 156 that stores
the flush water discharged from the discharge unit 154, and a
second float device 158 that moves according to the water level in
the small tank 156. In other words, while the structure of the
discharge unit 154 is in common with the structure of the discharge
unit 54 of the first embodiment described above, the structure of
the small tank 156 and the structure of the second float device 158
being arranged in the small tank 156 are different from the flush
water tank apparatus 4 of the first embodiment described above.
[0174] The small tank 156 is fixed above the stopped water level
(the full water level WL) of the storage tank 10. The small tank
156 is formed in a hollow box shape with the upper surface open,
and a discharge hole 156b for discharging stored flush water is
formed. The discharge hole 156b forms a small hole with a
relatively small diameter. Therefore, the instantaneous flow rate
of flush water discharged outside the small tank 156 (in the
storage tank 10) from the discharge hole 156b is smaller than the
instantaneous flow rate of flush water discharged from the
discharge unit 154.
[0175] Further, the small tank 156 is arranged on the lower side of
the discharge unit 154 and is configured so that flush water
discharged from the discharge unit 154 flows in. The small tank 156
is arranged above the float device 26.
[0176] The second float device 158 is provided with a second float
158a that is moved according to the water level in the small tank
156 and an L-shaped rod member 158b fixed to the bottom surface of
the second float 158a.
[0177] The second float 158a is a hollow rectangular parallelepiped
member and is configured to move in the vertical direction in
conjunction with the water level of flush water stored in the small
tank 156.
[0178] The proximal end of the L-shaped rod member 158b is fixed to
the bottom surface of the second float 158a, and is formed in an L
shape that is configured with a portion passing through the
discharge hole 156b of the small tank 156 and extending vertically
downward, a bending portion that is bent toward the float device 26
arranged in the storage tank 10 outside the small tank 156, and a
portion extending to a distal end portion arranged near the bottom
surface of the float 26a of the float device 26.
[0179] As shown in FIG. 17A, when the small tank 156 is in a
standby state (a state in which flush water is not stored in the
small tank 156), the distal end portion of the L-shaped rod member
158b has descended to a position of not being in contact with the
float 26a. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 17B, in a state in
which a predetermined amount of flush water or more is stored in
the small tank 156, the distal end portion of the L-shaped rod
member 158b ascends to a position of being in contact with the
lower surface of the float 26a. In this case, even if the water
level in the storage tank 10 is low, the float 26a of the float
device 26 is pulled up according to the water level in the small
tank 156.
[0180] When the large washing is selected by the remote controller
6 or the like, the small tank device 152 acts so that the timing of
the discharge valve 12 descending and the drain port 10a being
blocked is later than the case of the small washing being selected.
In other words, the small tank device 152 is configured to, even
after the water level in the storage tank 10 drops below a
predetermined water level, keep the holding mechanism 46 of the
float device 26 arranged in the storage tank 10 in the holding
state. More specifically, by using buoyancy of the second float
device 158 arranged in the small tank 156 to cause the float 26a of
the float device 26 not to descend, by the L-shaped rod member 158b
of the second float device 158 even after the water level in the
storage tank 10 drops below the predetermined water level, it is
possible to keep the holding mechanism 46 in the holding state.
Thereby, the timing of causing the discharge valve 12 to descend is
controlled. Note that, in the present embodiment, the amount of
flush water discharged when the small washing is selected
corresponds to the first amount of flush water, and the amount of
flush water discharged when the large washing is selected
corresponds to the second amount of flush water.
[0181] Next, a description will be made on operation of the flush
water tank apparatus 104 according to the second embodiment of the
present invention and operation of a flush toilet apparatus 100
provided with the flush water tank apparatus 104 with reference to
FIGS. 16 to 26.
[0182] First, in the toilet washing standby state shown in FIG. 16,
the water level in the storage tank 10 is the predetermined full
water level WL. In this state, both of the first control valve 16
and the second control valve 22 are closed. The holding mechanism
46 is in the holding state shown by solid lines in FIG. 17A. Next,
when the user pushes the large washing button on the remote
controller 6, the remote controller 6 transmits an instruction
signal for executing the large washing mode to the controller 40.
When the small washing button is pushed, an instruction signal for
executing the small washing mode is transmitted to the controller
40. Thus, in the present embodiment, the flush toilet apparatus 1
is provided with the two washing modes, the large washing mode and
the small washing mode with different amounts of flush water, and
the remote controller 6 functions as the flush water amount
selection device for selecting the amount of flush water. The flush
toilet apparatus 100 is provided with the plurality of washing
modes with different amounts of flush water.
[0183] Next, operation of the small washing mode according to the
second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 16 to
22.
[0184] As shown in FIG. 16, the toilet washing standby state is
similar to that of the first embodiment.
[0185] When receiving an instruction signal to perform small
washing, the controller 40 causes the solenoid valve 18 provided
for the first control valve 16 to operate to open the first control
valve 16. The controller 40 leaves the second control valve 22
closed.
[0186] When the first control valve 16 is opened, flush water
flowing in from the water supply pipe 38 is supplied to the
discharge valve hydraulic drive unit 14 via the first control valve
16 as shown in FIG. 18. Thereby, the piston 14b of the discharge
valve hydraulic drive unit 14 is pushed up; the discharge valve 12
is pulled up via the rod 32; and flush water in the storage tank 10
is discharged from the drain port 10a to the flush toilet main body
2.
[0187] Next, when the discharge valve 12 is further pulled up, the
clutch mechanism 30 is disconnected as shown in FIG. 19. When the
clutch mechanism 30 is disconnected, the discharge valve 12 starts
to descend toward the drain port 10a due to its own weight. Here,
since the water level in the storage tank 10 is high immediately
after the discharge valve 12 is opened, the holding mechanism 46 is
in the holding state shown by solid lines in FIG. 17B. Therefore,
the discharge valve 12 is held at a predetermined height by the
holding mechanism 46. By the discharge valve 12 being held by the
holding mechanism 46, the drain port 10a is kept in the open state,
and discharge of flush water in the storage tank 10 to the flush
toilet main body 2 is kept. At this time, the pilot valve 16d is
still in the open state, and flush water flowing in from the water
supply pipe 38 is supplied to the discharge valve hydraulic drive
unit 14 via the first control valve 16. Thereby, the piston 14b is
raised to the second position, and the drive unit water supply
passage 34a and the drive unit discharge passage 34b are caused to
communicate with each other via the inside of the cylinder 14a, so
that flush water is supplied to the small tank device 152.
[0188] Then, when the water level in the storage tank 10 drops as
shown in FIG. 20, the float switch 42 that detects the water level
in the storage tank 10 is turned off. When the float switch 42 is
turned off, the pilot valve 22c provided for the second control
valve 22 is opened. Thereby, flush water is supplied from the
second control valve 22 into the storage tank 10 via the water
supply passage 50. When the small washing mode is selected, the
controller 40 causes the solenoid valve 18 to operate in a
relatively short time to close the pilot valve 16d of the first
control valve 16. The main valve body 16a of the first control
valve 16 is closed by the pilot valve 16d being closed. Even after
the pilot valve 16d is closed, the open state of the second control
valve 22 is kept, and water supply to the storage tank 10 is
continued.
[0189] By the first control valve 16 being closed, supply of flush
water to the discharge valve hydraulic drive unit 14 and the small
tank device 152 is stopped. When the small washing mode is
executed, since the time from the first control valve 16 being
opened until being closed is a relatively short time, the amount of
flush water flowing into the small tank 156 is small. Therefore,
the water level of flush water stored in the small tank 156 does
not rise enough for the distal end portion of the L-shaped rod
member 158b of the second float device 158 to come into contact
with the lower surface of the float 26a of the float device 26 in
the storage tank 10.
[0190] Then, as shown in FIG. 20, when the water level in the
storage tank 10 drops to a predetermined water level WL3, the
position of the float 26a connected to the holding mechanism 46
descends. Thereby, the holding mechanism 46 is switched to the
non-holding state shown by the imaginary lines in FIG. 17B. By the
holding mechanism 46 being switched to the non-holding state, the
discharge valve 12 leaves from the holding mechanism 46 and starts
to descend again.
[0191] Thereby, the discharge valve 12 seats on the drain port 10a,
and the drain port 10a is blocked as shown in FIG. 21. Thus, when
the small washing mode is executed, the discharge valve 12 is held
until the water level in the storage tank 10 drops from the full
water level WL to the predetermined water level WL3, and the first
amount of flush water is discharged to the flush toilet main body
2.
[0192] Since the float switch 42 is still in the off state, the
open state of the second control valve 22 is kept, and water supply
to the storage tank 10 is continued. Flush water supplied via the
water supply passage 50 reaches the water supply passage branch
portion 50a, and a part of the flush water branched at the water
supply passage branch portion 50a flows into the overflow pipe 10b,
and the remaining flush water is stored in the storage tank 10. The
flush water flowing into the overflow pipe 10b flows into the flush
toilet main body 2 and is used to refill the bowl 2a. By flush
water flowing into the storage tank 10 in the state of the
discharge valve 12 being closed, the water level in the storage
tank 10 rises.
[0193] When the water level in the storage tank 10 rises to the
full water level WL as shown in FIG. 22, the float switch 42 is
turned on. When the float switch 42 is turned on, the pilot valve
22c on the float switch side is closed. Thereby, the pilot valve
22c enters the closed state. Therefore, the pressure in the
pressure chamber 22b rises, the main valve body 22a of the second
control valve 22 is closed, and water supply is stopped.
[0194] After the first control valve 16 is closed, and water supply
to the discharge valve hydraulic drive unit 14 is stopped, flush
water in the cylinder 14a of the discharge valve hydraulic drive
unit 14 gradually flows out from the gap 14d, and the piston 14b is
pushed down by the energizing force of the spring 14c. Accompanying
this, the rod 32 descends. Thereby, the clutch mechanism 30 is
connected, and the standby state before toilet washing being
started is returned to.
[0195] Next, a description will be made on operation of the large
washing mode by the flush water tank apparatus 104 of the second
embodiment of the present invention with reference to FIG. 16, and
FIGS. 23 to 26.
[0196] As shown in FIG. 16, the toilet washing standby state is
similar to that of the small washing.
[0197] When receiving an instruction signal to perform large
washing, the controller 40 causes the solenoid valve 18 provided
for the first control valve 16 to operate to open the first control
valve 16. The controller 40 leaves the second control valve 22
closed.
[0198] As shown in FIG. 23, the process until the discharge valve
12 is held at a predetermined height by the holding mechanism 46
after the clutch mechanism 30 is disconnected is similar to that of
the small washing mode.
[0199] Then, when the water level in the storage tank 10 drops as
shown in FIG. 24, the float switch 42 that detects the water level
in the storage tank 10 is turned off. When the float switch 42 is
turned off, the pilot valve 22c provided for the second control
valve 22 is opened. Thereby, flush water is supplied from the
second control valve 22 into the storage tank 10 via the water
supply passage 50. When the large washing mode is selected, the
controller 40 keeps the pilot valve 16d of the first control valve
16 open for a relatively long time. Thereby, flush water flowing in
from the water supply pipe 38 is discharged to the small tank 156
from the discharge unit 154 via the first control valve 16 and the
discharge valve hydraulic drive unit 14 for a relatively long
time.
[0200] The flush water discharged from the discharge unit 154 flows
into the small tank 156. Flush water in the small tank 156 is
discharged outside the small tank 156 (in the storage tank 10) from
the discharge hole 156b little by little. In other words, an
instantaneous flow rate A1 of the flush water discharged from the
discharge hole 156b is smaller than an instantaneous flow rate A2
of the flush water discharged from the discharge unit 154.
Therefore, the water level of the flush water stored in the small
tank 156 rises. Accompanying the rise of the water level of the
flush water stored in the small tank 156, the second float 158a of
the second float device 158 ascends. Thereby, the distal end
portion of the L-shaped rod member 158b of the second float device
158 comes into contact with the lower surface of the float 26a of
the float device 26 in the storage tank 10. By the float 26a being
supported from below by the L-shaped rod member 158b, the holding
mechanism 46 is kept in the holding state even after the water
level in the storage tank 10 drops below the predetermined water
level.
[0201] After causing the solenoid valve 18 to open, the controller
40 closes the solenoid valve 18 after a predetermined time passes.
The predetermined time is set, for example, so that the second
amount of flush water can be discharged. After the predetermined
passes, the first control valve 16 is closed, and discharge of
flush water from the discharge unit 154 to the small tank 156 is
stopped. Flush water stored in the small tank 156 is gradually
discharged from the discharge hole 156b. Accompanying drop of the
water level of the flush water stored in the small tank 156, the
second float 158a descends to the position of the standby state
again. Thereby, the L-shaped rod member 158b of the second float
device 158 descends to the position of not being in contact with
the lower surface of the float 26a. Accompanying this, the float
26a also descends, and the holding mechanism 46 is switched to the
non-holding state. When the holding mechanism 46 is switched to the
non-holding state, the discharge valve 12 leaves from the holding
mechanism 46 and starts to descend again.
[0202] Thereby, the discharge valve 12 seats on the drain port 10a,
and the drain port 10a is blocked as shown in FIG. 25. After the
drain port 10a is blocked, the float switch 42 is still in the off
state, and, therefore, the open state of the second control valve
22 is kept, water supply to the storage tank 10 is continued, and
the water level in the storage tank 10 rises again.
[0203] When the water level in the storage tank 10 rises to the
full water level WL as shown in FIG. 26, the float switch 42 is
turned on. When the float switch 42 is turned on, the pilot valve
22c on the float switch side is closed. Thereby, the pilot valve
22c enters the closed state. Therefore, the pressure in the
pressure chamber 22b rises, the main valve body 22a of the second
control valve 22 is closed, and water supply is stopped.
[0204] As shown in FIG. 26, after the first control valve 16 is
closed, and water supply to the discharge valve hydraulic drive
unit 14 is stopped, flush water in the cylinder 14a of the
discharge valve hydraulic drive unit 14 gradually flows out from
the gap 14d, and the piston 14b is pushed down by the energizing
force of the spring 14c. Accompanying this, the rod 32 descends.
Thereby, the clutch mechanism 30 is connected, and the standby
state before toilet washing being started is returned to.
[0205] The second embodiment of the present invention has been
described above. Various changes can be added to the second
embodiment described above. For example, in the second embodiment
described above, the float 26a is supported not to descend, by the
L-shaped rod member 158b of the second float device 158 arranged in
the small tank 156. Thereby, the holding mechanism 46 of the float
device 26 is kept in the holding state regardless of the water
level in the storage tank 10. In comparison, as a modification, the
present invention can be configured so that, by arranging the float
26a of the float device 26 in the small tank 156, the holding
mechanism 46 arranged outside the small tank 156 operates in
conjunction with movement of the float 26a in the small tank
156.
[0206] In this modification, the float 26a of the float device 26
is moved according to the water level in the small tank 156, and
the holding mechanism 46 is switched between the holding state and
the non-holding state. When the holding mechanism 46 is in the
holding state, the discharge valve 12 is held at a predetermined
height. Further, in this modification, the bottom surface of the
small tank 156 is arranged below the stopped water level (the full
water level WL) of the water storage tank 10, and a small hole is
made in a lower part of the small tank 156. Thereby, when flush
water is not supplied into the small tank 156, the water level in
the small tank 156 is equal to the water level in the storage tank
10. On the other hand, when flush water is supplied into the small
tank 156, the water level in the small tank 156 rises irrespective
of the water level in the storage tank 10. Accompanying this, the
float 26a in the small tank 156 rises, and the holding mechanism 46
is switched to the holding state.
[0207] In this modification, when the small washing mode is
selected, only a small amount of flush water is supplied into the
small tank 156, and, thereby, the water level in the small tank 156
is almost the same as the water level in the storage tank 10.
Therefore, when the water level in the storage tank 10 drops to the
water level WL3 after washing is started, the holding mechanism 46
is switched to the non-holding state in conjunction with the float
26a in the small tank 156, and the discharge valve 12 descends.
Thus, the discharge valve 12 is caused to descend at the timing of
the water level in the storage tank 10 dropping to the
predetermined water level WL3, which is the original descent timing
of the float 26a, and the small washing mode is achieved.
[0208] When the large washing mode is selected, the controller 40
causes the first control valve 16 to be open until the
predetermined time during which the second amount of flush water
can be discharged passes and keeps supplying flush water into the
small tank 156. Thereby, the water level in the small tank 156
becomes higher than the water level in the storage tank 10, and the
holding mechanism 46 is kept in the holding state even after the
water level in the storage tank 10 drops to the predetermined water
level WL3 or below. Then, the first control valve 16 is opened when
the predetermined time during which the second amount of flush
water can be discharged has passed to cause the water level in the
small tank 156 to drop. Accompanying this, the float 26a also
descends, and the holding mechanism 46 is switched to the
non-holding state. Thereby, the discharge valve 12 is held even
after the water level in the storage tank 10 drops below the
predetermined water level WL3, which is the original descent timing
of the float 26a, and the large washing mode can be executed.
REFERENCE SIGNS LIST
[0209] 1 flush toilet apparatus [0210] 2 flush toilet main body
[0211] 4 flush water tank apparatus [0212] 10 storage tank [0213]
10a drain port [0214] 12 discharge valve [0215] 14 discharge valve
hydraulic drive unit [0216] 14a cylinder [0217] 14b piston [0218]
16 first control valve [0219] 22 second control valve [0220] 26a
float [0221] 30 clutch mechanism [0222] 32 rod [0223] 54 discharge
unit [0224] 56 water storage unit [0225] 56a upper end [0226] 56b
discharge hole [0227] 56c side wall [0228] 104 flush water tank
apparatus [0229] 156 small tank [0230] 156b discharge hole [0231]
A1 instantaneous flow rate [0232] A2 instantaneous flow rate [0233]
WL full water level [0234] WL1 predetermined water level [0235] WL2
predetermined water level [0236] WL3 predetermined water level
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